May 30, 2014
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Georgia Tech catcher Alysha Rudnik, who was one of 10 national finalists for the 2014 Senior CLASS Award, was selected a second-team All-American based on a vote of Division-I coaches, national softball media and fans.
Rudnik is joined on the second team by Katie Keller (Louisville), Destinee Martinez (Oklahoma), Sara Nevins (South Florida) and Hannah Rogers (Florida). Madison Shipman of Tennessee won the 2014 Senior CLASS Award and was joined on the All-America first team by Dallas Escobedo (Arizona State), Kaila Hunt (Alabama), Kaitlin Inglesby (Washington) and Nicole Sappingfield (Michigan).
The award is given annually to the most outstanding senior student-athlete in Division I softball. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence – classroom, community, character and competition.
An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.
A native of Lawrenceville, Ga., Rudnik is a two-time All-ACC first-team pick and hit .341 overall in 2014 and .289 in conference play. She led the Jackets with 11 doubles, 11 home runs and 42 RBI. Her 44 career home runs are seventh most in the ACC career record books.
Rudnik graduated in May 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in operations and supply chain management with a 3.56 cumulative GPA. She earned a 2014 ACC Postgraduate Scholarship and was named a 2014 Peach of An Athlete. She is a five-time member of the Dean’s List, as well as a three-time selection to the ACC All-Academic team and ACC Honor Roll (2011-13).
Rudnik is not only a leader on the softball field and classroom, but also in the community and at home. Since 1997, Alysha and her six siblings (four by birth and two adopted) have had the opportunity to be a sister or brother to more than 50 foster brothers and sisters. In addition, Rudnik has been involved in seven community service groups, including the Girls on the Run program and Michael Isenhour Toy Drive since her freshman year.
Softball 2014 Winner
Madison Shipman, Tennessee
First Team All-Americans
Dallas Escobedo, Arizona State
Kaila Hunt, Alabama
Kaitlin Inglesby, Washington
Nicole Sappingfield, Michigan
Second Team All-Americans
Katie Keller, Louisville
Destinee Martinez, Oklahoma
Sara Nevins, South Florida
Hannah Rogers, Florida
Alysha Rudnik, Georgia Tech
