NEW HAVEN, CT -- Heather Walker of Georgian Court University is the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference's (CACC) nominee for the 2008 NCAA Woman of the Year Award, it was announced today by Commissioner Dan Mara. The NCAA Woman of the Year Award honors senior student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership. Walker played both volleyball and softball for the Lions and she received numerous accolades for her athletic, academic and leadership achievements.

 "This is such a fitting honor for Heather," said Georgian Court Director of Athletics, Laura Liesman.  "Although she has been recognized for her outstanding athletic achievements many times, the Woman of the Year Award truly speaks to all that Heather represents.  Throughout her four years at GCU, Heather has been a fierce competitor in both volleyball and softball, but she is also a selfless leader in every area of our institution.  Her willingness to dedicate herself for the betterment of the whole speaks to her strong character and integrity.  She is a remarkable woman who is very deserving of this honor by the CACC.

Walker graduated in May with a degree in History and was named to the CACC All-Academic team six times, having earned the honor in the fall and spring in each of the last three years.  She was a member of the GCU Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) for four years and was President of the CACC SAAC for her final three years on campus. She won the GCU Presidential Award in 2007 and 2008, the GCU Inspiration Award in 2008, the Voice of GCU Award in 2007 and a Community Leader Award in 2006. She was the President of the Pi Delta Phi Honor Society from 2006 to 2008 and was a GCU Dean's Scholar for each of her four years.

Walker, who is from Hanover, Ontario Canada, was equally impressive athletically for the volleyball and softball teams at Georgian Court. She became one of three CACC softball players ever to be named All-American by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), as she was a first team pick this past season. Only one other softball player in conference history has been named a first team All-American by the organization. She was a first team All-Conference selection in each of the past three seasons and was the CACC Player of the Year in 2007. Walker helped lead the Lions to a CACC Championship in 2007 and to two NCAA Northeast Region Tournament appearances. The Lions had never previously earned a bid to the NCAA tournament. Walker also helped guide Georgian Court to two straight CACC Volleyball Championships in 2006 and 2007. She was the recipient of the Georgian Court Volleyball Coaches Award in 2006 and 2008.

 "I can't imagine taking the field next year without Heather, she is one of the greatest players I have coached," said Georgian Court head softball coach, Jeff Franquet. "Her leadership and abilities are unmatched. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to coach Heather.  She is a great athlete, a great person, and most of all she exemplifies what a student-athlete is."

 Walker will be staying at Georgian Court as she pursues her MBA. She will also serve as an assistant coach for the softball team.