MADISON, Wis.--University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's Sadie Erickson has been named the recipient of the 2023 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Judy Kruckman Softball Scholar-Athlete Award.
A senior from Norwood Young America, Minn. (Central), Erickson is majoring in kinesiology-rehab science and sustains a 3.83 grade point average. She secured a spot on the College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-America Third Team in 2021, and is a three-time member of the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll. Erickson has been recognized on UW-Eau Claire's Dean's List numerous semesters.
A team captain this season, she is a two-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American, securing first team honors in 2021 and second team recognition in 2022. Erickson claimed All-Region first team honors and All-WIAC first team status during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. During the 2022 campaign, she helped the Blugolds claim the WIAC Tournament title. She holds the program career record for slugging percentage, while ranking second in batting average and seventh in home runs. In 2021, Erickson received her team's Offensive Performer of the Year distinction.
Erickson is a member of University Honors Program, Kinesiology Club and Occupational/Physical Therapy Club, and has assisted with Blugold softball camps and clinics.
Also nominated for this year's scholar-athlete award were: UW-La Crosse's Megan Scheidt (Sr., La Crosse, Wis./Aquinas); UW-Platteville's Claire Bakkestuen (Sr., Forest Lake, Minn./Forest Lake); UW-River Falls' Keegan Piton (Jr., Green Bay, Wis./Preble); UW-Stevens Point's Sara Traxel (Sr., Oak Creek, Wis./Oak Creek); UW-Stout's Kaylee Peterson (Grad., Woodbury, Minn./East Ridge); and UW-Whitewater's Krista Sbarra (Sr., West Chicago, Ill./St. Charles East).
The WIAC Scholar-Athlete Award is named after Judy Kruckman who served as Assistant Commissioner for the WIAC from 1996-98. Prior to this appointment, she was Commissioner of the Wisconsin Women's Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WWIAC) from October, 1984 - September, 1996. Kruckman was the women's athletics director at UW-Eau Claire from 1974-84, and one of the original representatives to the WWIAC when it formed in 1971. She was inducted into the WIAC Hall of Fame in 2012. In order to be nominated for the scholar-athlete award, a student-athlete must have a minimum 3.50 grade point average. In addition, she must be in her last year of competition, or on schedule to graduate this academic year, and have competed for a minimum of two years. The award is based on academic achievements, athletics accomplishments and involvement in other campus activities, organizations and community service projects.
