May 26, 2005

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Katie Tasca of Women's crew was the lone Bronco honored as a 2005 National Scholar Athlete by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) in an announcement earlier this week. She was among 25 recipients of the award from the West Region and one of only nine WCC student-athletes to be chosen.

The award recognizes second-, third-, and fourth-year student-athletes who have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher while also competing in at least 75 percent of her team's races during the 2005 spring season.

"I am very honored to receive this award and appreciate its acknowledgment of the importance of academics in a student-athlete," Tasca said. "Santa Clara rowing has been like a family to me during college and essential to my work in the classroom. Being a member of crew taught me the true meaning of dedication, loyalty and hard work. These characteristics allowed me to excel in the Santa Clara Business School and in athletics."

Tasca, a senior port from Spokane, Wash., excelled in the classroom while working towards a finance degree from the Leavey School of Business. She also saw time on the water with the women's varsity eight boat, helping the team finish third at the Blue Herron Regatta, which included a victory in one of the varsity eight races. Additionally, Tasca's performance in the boat also helped the Broncos to fourth-places finishes in both the West Coast Conference and WIRA Championships in consecutive weeks. She wrapped up her Santa Clara career rowing at the prestigious Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia, Penn. with the women's crew.