Bailey Wigness earns Elite 89 award; is top NCAA DI softball player in academics

Bailey Wigness of the Arizona State softball team received the Elite 89 Award for maintaining the highest cumulative grade point average of any student-athlete at the 2013 NCAA Division I Softball Championship.

Wigness, a junior outfielder, is a double major in political science and communication and holds a 4.0 GPA. She received the award on Tuesday night at the Women's College World Series banquet in front of her peers, which included the DI NCAA Softball Committee and all WCWS qualifying teams.

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 Award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's 89 championships.

Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years at their school. They must be an active member of the team, traveling and a designated member of the squad size at the championship.

Wigness, a two-time Academic All-American, is competing in her third WCWS and has been a starter in the outfield all season. She and the rest of the Sun Devil squad arrived in Oklahoma City on Monday and will play Texas during the opening day on Thursday at 4 p.m. PT on ESPN2.

For more information on the Elite 89 award winners, log on to NCAA.com/elite89.