June 8, 2000

DURHAM, N.C. -- Duke sophomore rower Maren Betts-Sonstegard was honored by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association on June 6 as one of its 96 NCAA Division I National Scholar-Athletes.

The National Scholar-Athlete award is designed to recognize the outstanding academic accomplishments of female rowers and coxswains during the current season. The criteria includes meeting eligibility rules as defined by the student-athleteâs institution, participating in their second, third or fourth year of eligibility, participating in at least 75 percent of the seasonâs races in the varsity boat and a 3.5 grade point average or higher.

Ninety-six NCAA Division I student-athletes received the National Scholar-Athlete Award while 32 Division II and III student-athletes were also honored.

Betts-Sonstegard, a native of Chantilly, Va., is the third Duke rower to be selected as a National Scholar-Athlete. Aspen Branch-Moore and Katherine Peterson both were honored with the award last year. Betts-Sonstegard, a two-year letterwinner, was named to the 1999 ACC Honor Roll.