The University Daily Kansan
Monday, June 3, 2013
Page 11
SOFTBALL
Player named Academic All-American
NATHAN FORDYCE
nfordyce@kansan.com
Though the Jayhawks' softball season ended without a postseason bid, the honors kept ringing in for senior outfielder Maggie Hull.
Already a decorated player, Hull earned her most prominent achievement yet as she was named to the Capital One Academic All-America First Team by the College Sports Information Directors of America, the third Jayhawk ever to receive the title. "I've gotten some incredible honors in my career, but this is by far the most prestigious one that I've ever had", Hull said. "To be Academic All-American First Team is a huge honor."
Hull said being named Academic All-American is even more special because she's one of three outfielders who received the honor.
Not only does it serve Hull well to be listed among the select few whom
receive the award, it could potentially benefit the University down the road.
"I'm happy to have Kansas up there," Hull said. "As we're getting new players to come to the program, we can say that we're serious about athletics and academics. We can say, 'Look we had an Academic All-American in the recent years.'"
Coach Megan Smith said that the honor is even more prestigious than being named an All-American for just athletics.
"I mean the girls are here to play college softball, but they're also here to get an education," Smith said. "And [Hull] excels at both of those things. It's really exciting for one of our athletes to be acknowledged for their classroom efforts and on-the-field efforts."
and Spanish.
Excelling on the field and in the classroom are standards that Hull set for herself. She finished her academic career with degrees in both journalism
TRAVIS YOUNG/KANSAN
Hull also matched that effort on the field as she became the University's all-time batting average leader for her career and the season. For the season, Hull batted a staggering .456 which was also third-best in Big 12 history. With the .456 average, Hull bumped her career average to .368.
"You never doubt Maggie Hull," Smith said. "She's a determined individual, and if you give her a challenge, she's going to rise up to that challenge. We gave her a challenge to be a hitter. She started off as a slapper, and we used her speed more and came in over the fall her sophomore year and was just on fire hitting. She hasn't stopped yet."
Hull has accumulated a long list of accolades. Along with being an Academic All-American, she was a NFCA All-Region First Team, All-Big 12 Second Team, Academic All-Big 12 First Team and Big 12 Softball Co-
Senior outfielders Maggie Hull dives for home plate during the softball game against the UMKC Roos.
Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Not only was Hull one of a few selected to be an Academic All-American, she was one of a few who were selected in the National Pro Fastpitch league as a member of the Chicago Bandits. In the draft, Hull was selected 11th overall, which is the highest draft selection by any Kansas softball player in program history.
"The professional league is a dream
for all college softball players," Smith said. "Not many people get drafted and not many people get a chance to be a part of it. When we learned there was interest in Maggie, I was maybe more excited than her because I know what that means. It's really special for a league to handpick you to be a part of their team."
Edited by Megan Hinman