June 6, 2012

BERKELEY - Fresh off the program's 12th trip to the Women's College World Series, four members of the California softball team landed on the prestigious Pac-12 All-Academic Teams. Junior catcher Lindsey Ziegenhirt paved the way with placement on the first team. Senior second baseman Jace Williams concluded her Cal career with second-team honors. Junior pitcher Jolene Henderson and sophomore catcher Taylor Vincentwere honorable mentions.

This is the first time since 2003 that there have been at least four Bears receiving conference academic honors.

Ziegenhirt boasts a 3.74 grade-point average and is majoring in psychology. The Elk Grove, Calif., native is a first-teamer for the second year in a row.

"It's such an honor to be recognized because academics are so important to me," Ziegenhirt said. "I a lot of people just see the athlete side of college sports but forget that we are students as well. It's great to be recognized."

Williams graduated with a degree in psychology with a 3.26 GPA. Last season, Williams was an honorable mention.

"A degree from Berkeley is an accomplishment in itself," Williams said. "I feel incredibly blessed and honored to have been given the opportunity to be both an athlete and a student at one of the top universities in the world!"

In addition to her academic honors, Henderson was named an NFCA All-American for the second year in a row. The Elk Grove, Calif., product is majoring in American studies with an emphasis in media relations.

"This is a huge honor for me," Henderson said. "To be able to play and study speaks volumes about my teammates, staff and people surrounding me."

"This is such an honor," Vincent said. "I am very proud to be a student-athlete, but first and foremost, I am a student. I have my whole team behind me on the field and in the classroom.

Bears on the Pac-12 All-Academic Teams
First Team
Lindsey Ziegenhirt

Second Team
Jace Williams

Honorable Mention
Jolene Henderson
Taylor Vincent