UW-Superior's Wirtz named top scholar in volleyball

University of Wisconsin-Superior defensive specialist Farrah Wirtz, a senior from Esko, Minn., has been named recipient of the 2012 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Judy Kruckman Women’s Volleyball Scholar-Athlete Award.

Wirtz boasts a 3.92 grade point average and is majoring in elementary education with a minor in broad field science. A transfer from the College of St. Benedict (Minn.), Wirtz has been recognized on the Dean’s List at UWS and has been chosen for the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll.

“I have known Farrah for the past 10 years. She is a model student-athlete that has worked extremely hard both on the court and in the classroom and now is being recognized for all her hard work and dedication,” UWS coach Lynne Deadrick said. “I couldn’t be happier for her to be the recipient of this high honor.”

A team captain, Wirtz led the Yellowjackets with 533 digs as a senior and finished with 1,001 for her career. As a junior, Wirtz was named to the WIAC All-Defensive Team and received the Yellowjacket volleyball team’s Hustle Award.

Wirtz is a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Council, Future Teachers of America and Students of Science. She has served as an AIS Program Assistant for the Lake Superior Research Institute.

Other WIAC volleyball honors went to senior Nikki Gosson (Mankato, Minn.) and sophomore Keely Deadrick (Esko, Minn.), who each received All-WIAC honorable mention.

Gosson, a team captain, appeared in every match in 2012 and led the Yellowjackets in kills (284) and blocks (62). Twice she was named to an all-tournament team – at Macalester College (Sept. 14-15) and at La Crosse (Oct. 12-13). She was named WIAC Volleyball Athlete of the Week for the final week of the season. For her career, Gosson played in over 100 matches and had 834 kills, 47 assists, 66 service aces, 235 digs and 222 blocks.

Deadrick enjoyed a stellar sophomore year. Appearing in every match of the season, Deadrick established career highs in kills (88), assists (1,070) and service aces (62). She also increased her attack percentage as a sophomore to .224. In just two seasons Deadrick has already picked up 1,985 assists.

Finally, senior Salann Gilbert (Solon Springs) was named to the WIAC All-Sportsmanship Team.

“I am excited for the team for the honors earned in the post season. It is a mark of all the hard work that has been done throughout the season. Nikki, Keely and Salann have done a tremendous job all year, and it is great to see them be recognized for their hard work,” said Deadrick.

The Yellowjackets finished 2012 with a 19-14 overall record and a 2-6 mark in WIAC play.

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