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April 18, 2009
EL PASO, Texas - UTEP softball's Stacie Townsend has been named a recipient of the UTEP Alumni Association Top 10 Senior Award. Townsend, who is a junior in eligibility, will graduate in May with a degree in general business. The award is presented to students who have achieved success academically and through their University and community involvement. A committee of UTEP alumni, faculty and staff select the top-10 seniors based on grade point average, volunteer activities and leadership. "It's exciting," Townsend said. "Not many people can say they were a top 10 senior." Townsend, a native of Orland, Fla., is graduating in just three years, a rarity for even the basic student, let alone a student-athlete. Moreover, the hurler will graduate with a 4.0 GPA. "I am by no means surprised," said co-head coach Kathleen Rodriguez. "If we were to look for a ball player to make an impact on the team, she is it. She works just as hard in the classroom as she does on the field." The classroom has always been a priority for Townsend, who was the valedictorian of her senior class when she graduated from Freedom High School before attending UTEP. "It is all about time management," said Townsend, who took advanced placement courses during high school. "You have to stay focused because once you fall behind it's extremely hard to catch up." Townsend is a three-time Conference USA Commissioner's Academic Medalist and while being named to the league's Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll. Townsend, who plays pitcher and second base, is the Miners' all-time career victory and strikeout leader. She was also named to the 2008 C-USA All-Academic team. She was named first team All-Conference USA for her achievements on the field last season and was named to the league's 2007 All-Freshman team.
She has already been accepted into the graduate program at UTEP and plans to pursue her master's degree, concentrating on finance while completing her eligibility. 
 
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