FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2007
Media Contact: Michael Corby 904.632.3310
Public Information: Jami Lind 904.766.6795

FCCJ student-athlete Verbeelen named for NJCAA national recognition for scholarship, sportsmanship

It’s been a busy season for Florida Community College softball star and new graduate Angela “Angii” Verbeelen. The Melrose, Florida native just earned her associate in arts degree from Florida Community College at Jacksonville with a 4.0 G.P.A. At a State Softball Tournament she was named FCCAA Jean Williams Softball Scholar Athlete. She was recognized by the Florida Community College Activities Association as being both a member of the All-Academic Team in both the Mid-Florida Conference and the All-State Team. Topping that, the National Junior College Athletic Association has named her the 2007 winner of the NJCAA Lea Plarski Award, an annual award bestowed upon a student-athlete of national standing who exemplifies athletic ability, sportsmanship, leadership, community service and academic excellence.

A pre-med major, Verbeelen was captain of the softball team, playing centerfield. She is twice All-Mid-Florida Conference. She has helped guide her team to back-to-back appearances in the Region 8 Tournament. She has a .290 batting average for 2006-07.

Her volunteer activities include Special Olympics, Take Stock in Children, Shands Hospital in Gainesville, plus food and clothing drives and regular visits to nursing homes to assist and visit with the elderly. Her ultimate goal is to become a cardiovascular surgeon.

“In measurable things such as softball statistics and GPA she is obviously in an elite class,” said FCCJ softball Coach Jami Lind. “What really defines her is her integrity and her commitment. I have complete confidence that she will do whatever she is asked and do it well. She has the same work ethic whether she is working in front of her coaches and teammates or on her own.”

“I was astonished when our athletic director [George Sanders] told me that I was chosen among so many to receive this prestigious award,” Verbeelen said. “I am honored to be recognized for all the blood, sweat and tears that I have put into being a successful student-athlete.”

Verbeelen will receive the NJCAA Lea Plarski Award at the Citizenship Through Sports Alliance (CTSA) ninth annual AT&T National Sportsmanship Awards banquet June 21 in St. Louis. The National Sportsmanship Awards honor the nation’s top athletes and administrators who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship, citizenship, ethical conduct and community service. Award recipients represent the CTSA’s member organizations, including the NCAA, the NAIA, the NJCAA, the National Federation of State High School Associations and others. The CTSA is the largest coalition of professional and amateur athletics organizations in the United Stats focused on character in sports.

This year’s honorary guests include soon-to-be baseball Hall of Fame inductee Tony Gwynn and Sharon Robinson, daughter of the late Jackie Robinson.

For more information on the event, visit the National Sportsmanship Awards Web site. For more information on the NJCAA, visit the NJCAA Web site, the official site of two-year collegiate athletics.