Jan. 31, 2008
San Bruno, CA - The 2007 West Coast Conference Fall All-Academic teams honor some of the league's finest examples of the consummate scholar-athlete. At the completion of each athletic season, the WCC selects an all-academic squad for each of the participating sponsored sports. To be considered, a student-athlete must earn at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average, while also being a significant contributor to his or her team.
The Gaels had six athletes named to the WCC Fall All-Academic team this year, including Mario Mendoza (cross country), Karrie Hagedorn (cross country), Taylor Groess (volleyball), David Blanchard (soccer), Corey Heldreth (soccer), and Dylan Leslie (soccer).
The Saint Mary's cross country team's top two runners made the all-academic squad this year, as senior Karrie Hagedorn and junior transfer Mario Mendoza each earned the honor. As a senior, Hagedorn has compiled a 3.60 cumulative GPA while studying politics at Saint Mary's. Hagedorn led the Gaels this season, coming in first for Saint Mary's at the WCC Championships. The Oregon native came in with a time of 22:42 in the women's 6K, marking a personal best for the season.
Joining Hagedorn is junior transfer Mario Mendoza. Mendoza has earned a 3.25 GPA in Psychology, and made an instant impact on the Gaels' squad this season. At the WCC Championships Mendoza recorded a new record for the Gaels at the Crystal Springs course and placed himself third overall in the Top-15 times in Saint Mary's cross country history. Mendoza finished 12th of 56 runners and his time of 25:44 marks a personal best, beating his old best by an amazing 56 seconds.
Women's volleyball earned one player to the all-academic team in junior Taylor Groess. The outside hitter has earned a 3.43 GPA while earning a degree in liberal and civic studies. Groess played a vital role in Saint Mary's success this season, as she was second on the team in kills per game with 3.49.
The men's soccer team had a strong showing on the All-Academic team, with three players being recognized for their accomplishments.
Sophomore midfielder Dylan Leslie has earned a 3.61 cumulative GPA (undeclared), while being garnered First Team All-WCC honors after playing in all 18 games this season with 17 as a starter. Leslie finished his second season with the Gaels with four points on two goals and two assists.
Junior defender Corey Heldreth has earned a 3.35 cumulative GPA while majoring in accounting. Heldreth garnered second team All-WCC honors after having a stellar season at the middle back for the Gaels. Heldreth was a vital component for the Gaels defensive line that helped SMC post a school record for fewest goals allowed with 21. The previous record was 25 goals allowed, which happened in 1981, 1994, and 2004.
Rounding out the men's soccer players that topped the list is senior midfielder David Blanchard. The Colorado native has posted a 3.59 GPA at Saint Mary's, while majoring in business administration. Blanchard garnered honorable mention honors following the 2007 season, leading the Gaels with three goals, to total six points on the year. Blanchard also tied for the team lead with two game-winning goals.
"These honorees represent the commitment of WCC student-athletes to both academic and athletic excellence," said WCC Commissioner Michael Gilleran. "Every year, it's a difficult process to narrow the long list of qualified nominees from each institution. All of those nominated should be proud of their achievements."
