Madison Pines, a junior from Northwood University, is the recipient of the Elite 89 award for the 2013 NCAA Division II Women's Indoor Track and Field Championship.
Pines, majoring in Accounting, currently carries a perfect 4.0 GPA. She was presented with the award during the closing ceremonies of the Division II Winter Sports Festival on Saturday evening in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Elite 89, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 89 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's championships.
Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years with their school. They must be an active member of the team, traveling and a designated member of the squad size at the championship. All ties are broken by the number of credits completed.
Pines has turned in a remarkable 2012-13 athletic season. She was a key defender for the Northwood University women's soccer team, earning Honorable Mention All-GLIAC honors. At the conclusion of the soccer season, she joined the women's cross country team. With just one week to prepare for the regional championship, Pines placed 26th out of 158 runners to help Northwood to a seventh place finish overall, the highest in school history. She then qualified for a pair of events at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships, placing 12th in the 800 and 16th in the mile. Pines holds the school record in both events.
For more information on the Elite 89 award winners, log on to NCAA.com/elite89
