June 23, 2005
ORLANDO - Former UCF standout Astrid Claessens claimed ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Women's Track and Field/Cross Country Third Team recognition from the members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), the organization announced on Thursday.
Claessens was eligible for the national award after earning ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District III First Team honors earlier in the month. Nominees for the district award must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing, have legitimate athletic credentials and carry at least a 3.20 cumulative grade-point-average.
Captaining both the cross country and track teams, Claessens ran in the top spot for UCF throughout the fall and claimed her first collegiate win at the Clermont Meet. She also earned all-conference honors after finishing seventh at the 2004 Atlantic Sun Championship.
During the spring season, Claessens competed in the middle distance events and broke the school record in the 1500m with a fifth place showing at the A-Sun Championship. She is currently listed second all-time at UCF in the 3000m steeplechase, while she is third in the school record books in the 3000m, 800m and the indoor mile.
Claessens, who graduated in six semesters with a degree in legal studies, will attend the New England School of Law in Boston, Mass. this fall.
"I am thrilled with Astrid's award," said UCF head cross country and track coach Marcia Mansur-Wentworth. "She is one of the brightest and dedicated student-athletes I have had the privilege to coach. She is a most deserving recipient."