NEW ORLEANS - The Shippensburg University women's track and field team had eight of its athletes selected on Monday afternoon to the 2009 USTFCCCA All-Academic Track and Field squad, the fourth-most of any Division II program and more than any other school from the PSAC.

The eight athletes were honored for their success during the indoor and outdoor track and field seasons in addition to their classroom merits. Leading the pack was freshman human communications major Neely Spence, the PSAC Cross Country, Indoor Track and Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year, along with junior biology major and Division II All-American Mary Dell.

Also honored by the USTFCCCA were sophomore history major Abby Huber, freshman biology major Lauren Redington and all four members of the All-American 1,600-meter relay squad: freshman psychology major Katie Craven, junior psychology major Shannon Hare, sophomore supply chain management major Laura Henzy and sophomore English major Erica Hess.

"This was a great way to cap off a fantastic year," said head coach Dave Osanitsch. "Academics are the top priority here with Shippensburg athletics and these individuals are the epitome of the student-athlete. I am especially proud of our women's program and their academic achievement as a team."

A total of 250 student-athletes representing 73 Division II colleges and universities made up the 2009 All-Academic team. The USTFCCCA honors Division II individuals for their academic and athletic achievements during the indoor and outdoor track and field season.

To qualify for the USTFCCCA All-Academic Track and Field Team, the student-athlete must have compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 and have met the NCAA Division II Indoor or Outdoor automatic or provisional qualifying standard in their respective event.

For the second straight year, Grand Valley State led the way with the most student-athletes on the list with 20. Missouri Southern State had 10 student-athletes on the list, while Minnesota State-Mankato posted nine student-athletes to the All-Academic team. Seattle Pacific and Lincoln (Missouri) matched Shippensburg with eight selections.