TAMPA - University of South Florida senior outside hitter Marcela Gurgel was named the winner of the institutional 2009-10 BIG EAST Female Scholar-Athlete award. Each institutional winner receives $2,000 toward graduate studies.
"Marcela takes great pride in her success whether it is in the classroom or on the court," said USF volleyball head coach Claire Lessinger. "Her academic and athletic achievements are a direct reflection of her work ethic. This is a tremendous honor and I am very proud of all that she has accomplished."
The Fortaleza, Brazil native is majoring in physical education and currently has a 3.65 GPA.
Gurgel is also a three-time All-American, the only player in USF history to do so. Gurgel is also the only current three-time All-Northeast Region honoree. The senior led the team in kills per set (3.91) and points per set (4.51). She finished tied for second place among conference leaders with 4.04 kills per set in BIG EAST matches. The righty moved up on USF's all-time career kills list to second place with 1,756, fourth in aces with 218 and ninth with 1,046 digs.
"Marcela has been a leader on and off the volleyball court ever since she arrived at USF in 2005," said Justin Miller, Assistant Athletic Director of Academics and Student-Athlete Development. "Marcela's tenacity and work ethic has a resulted in a tremendously successful collegiate career, both athletically and academically. She is a role model for all student-athletes and we are all very proud of Marcela."
Courtesy: J. Meric
