View Announcement on WIACSports.com
MADISON, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's Taylor Heltne (Sr.-Inver Grove Heights, Minn./Simley) has been named the recipient of the 2012 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Judy Kruckman Women's Tennis Scholar-Athlete Award.
A senior from Inver Grove Heights, Minn. (Simley), Heltne boasts a 3.90 grade point average and is majoring in kinesiology: human performance-sports performance with minors in business administration and science of coaching. She has been recognized on UW-Eau Claire's Dean's List all six semesters and is a three-time member of the WIAC Scholastic Honor Roll.
Heltne posted a runner-up finishes at No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles at this year's WIAC championship. She secured the No. 6 singles crown in 2009 and placed second at No. 1 doubles in 2011. At the ITA Midwest Regional earlier this season, she was the consolation singles champion and advanced to the semifinals in doubles competition. A three-year team captain, she earned her team's Most Improved Player honor in 2009 and Most Valuable Player in 2011.
Heltne is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, UW-Eau Claire Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Kinesiology Club, Blugold Beginnings and the Eau Claire Community Fitness Program. She has served as a volunteer for the Multiple Sclerosis Association, Special Olympics of Wisconsin, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wisconsin, Eau Claire YMCA and Eau Claire Community Table.
UW-La Crosse's Andrea Vivian (Sr., Green Bay, Wis./Southwest) was also nominated for this year's scholar-athlete award.
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.
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.
-Matt Stanek, WIAC Assistant Commissioner for Media Relations-
