Junior outfielder Gracey Kruse has been named the Southern Conference Student-Athlete of the Week following her stellar play on the field last weekend and impressive work in the classroom, the league office announced Wednesday afternoon.
Kruse batted .556 (5-for-9) last weekend and slugged at a blistering .889 clip while recording three doubles and a run scored to help lift the Chattanooga softball program to a berth in this year’s SoCon Tournament.
A criminal justice major, Kruse carries a 3.83 overall GPA and has been a frequent member of the Dean’s List, AD’s Honor Roll and Southern Conference Honor Roll.
“It’s always rewarding to see recognition for our student-athletes for their work in the classroom.
Academics are our top priority as a program and we couldn’t be prouder to see Gracey’s hard work acknowledged,” said head coach Frank Reed.
For the season, Kruse leads the team with 12 doubles while ranking first in the SoCon and 33rd in NCAA Division I softball with a 0.34 doubles per game average. She has recorded a combined eight doubles over her last seven games and now ranks third on the team with a .385 slugging percentage.
Kruse’s selection marks the fifth time a Moc has received the weekly academic award in 2020-21 and the first since Nicole Buehrle (women’s track & field) back on March 24.
SoCon Student-Athletes of the Week
Jan. 6 Ross Cummings, Mercer, Men’s Basketball
Jan. 13 Will Formato, App State, Wrestling
Jan. 20 Michael McAleavey, The Citadel, Wrestling
Jan. 27 Abbey Cornelius, Chattanooga, Women’s Basketball
Feb. 3 Amy Kohan, UAB, Rifle
Feb. 10 Andrea Aceveda, Furman, Volleyball
Feb. 16 Sam Blumer, The Citadel, Men’s Indoor Track and Field
Feb. 24 Abbey Cornelius, Chattanooga, Women’s Basketball
March 3 Drew Nicholson, Chattanooga, Wrestling
March 10 Hamp Sisson, Furman, Football
March 17 Lindsey Stallworth, ETSU Women’s Cross Country
March 24 Nicole Buehrle, Chattanooga Women’s Track and Field
March 31 Tyler Keltner, ETSU Football
April 6 Lauren Lightfritz, Mercer Women’s Golf
April 14 Emma Kuntz, Furman Women’s Outdoor Track and Field
April 21 Archie Davies, ETSU Men’s Golf
April 28 Drew Singerman, Furman Men’s Tennis
May 5 Megan Dunn, Wofford Women’s Outdoor Track and Field
May 12 Gracey Kruse, Chattanooga, Softball