DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman University senior outfielder Michelle Banuelos-Smith has been named to the 2013 Capital One Academic All-America Division I softball team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
A Psychology major with a 4.0 GPA, Banuelos-Smith was a third-team selection.
Banuelos-Smith, a four-year letter winner from Mission Hills Calif. posted a career average of .323 with 24 home runs and 135 RBI. She finished second on the doubles list (51) and third on the all-time home run list while playing a key role in the Wildcats' three consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championships and NCAA Regional appearances from 2010-2012.
She earned All-MEAC honors in both her junior and senior season.
"Michelle's self motivation, athletic ability and attitude for excellence allowed her to be an integral member of our team the last four years," said B-CU Head Coach Chris Cochran. "I will miss seeing her everyday, but I know she will be successful in whatever she chooses to do after she leaves B-CU."
Her academic success reflected that of the 2013 Wildcats, who had nine of their 13 players post a GPA of 3.3 or higher.
To be eligible for Academic All-America consideration, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.30 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director.
Since the program's inception in 1952, CoSIDA has bestowed Academic All- America honors on more than 18,000 student-athletes in Divisions I, II, III and NAIA, covering all NCAA championship sports.
"I am extremely proud of our 2013 team both for their accomplishments on the field and in the classroom," Cochran said.
Banuelos-Smith is the Wildcats' second softball Academic All-American - Christina Trimble was a Second Team selection in 2009.
For more information, visit the Capital One Academic All-America website at http://www.capitaloneacademicallamerica.com.
