Cazzola Named CoSIDA Academic All-America Of The Year

UW-Oshkosh graduate student Christy Cazzola has been named as the 2013-14 Capital One Division III Academic All-America® of the Year, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

The Capital One Division III Academic All-America® program is being financially supported by the NCAA Division III national governance structure to assist CoSIDA with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2013-14 Division III Academic All-America® teams program.

"It's been a pleasure and an honor competing in the NCAA Division III," Cazzola said. "Over the last few years, I've accomplished more than I ever thought was possible. I couldn't have received this award without the support of my great coaches, teammates and family."

The distance runner from Kaukauna finished her career with 17 NCAA Division III titles, including six – three indoor and three outdoor - this year. Cazzola won eight indoor track & field titles, eight outdoor track & field titles and the 2012 cross country championship in addition to her 27 Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles. The three-time Capital One Academic All-America® selection was a member of four national title teams – 2011, 2013, 2014 indoor track & field and 2011 outdoor track & field – for the Titans.

"Christy's story is truly an amazing one, and we are all proud of her being named Capital One Academic All-America of the Year," said UW-Oshkosh head track & field coach Ben Dorsey. "Christy is proof that hard work and dedication can trump anything life has to throw at you."

Cazzola was named the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association's National Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year for the second straight season in 2014. She also was named the Outstanding Track Performer at the NCAA Division III indoor and outdoor championships. Her efforts helped UW-Oshkosh repeat as the indoor team champion. Cazzola is the holder of five NCAA Division III all-time records.

"Christy is a remarkable young woman, a true scholar-athlete and an outstanding ambassador for our university," said UW-Oshkosh Director of Athletics Darryl Sims. "Christy deserves this honor for the way she excelled in cross country and track while balancing her roles as a student, wife and mother."

Cazzola, who compiled a 3.40 GPA while earning a bachelor's degree in secondary education, is completing her master's degree in educational leadership. She was named the 2014 Honda Division III Athlete of the Year by the Collegiate Women Sports Awards.