May 22, 2002

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Georgia Tech sophomore shortstop Tara Knudsen, who recently wrapped up one of the top offensive seasons in Yellow Jacket softball history, was named a third-team NFCA Louisville Slugger All-American Wednesday. The honors were presented by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association at an awards banquet on the eve of the Women's College World Series.

Knudsen, who also garnered All-ACC and first-team Southeast All-Region recognition, led the Jackets in nearly every major offensive category this season. She posted a .374 average, 16 home runs and 51 runs batted in. Knudsen started all 70 games at shortstop en route to 80 hits and a .687 slugging percentage.

A native of Thornton, Colo., Knudsen also rewrote the Tech single-season record book and now ranks among the top five in seven offensive categories. She is tied for first in homers (16), first in walks (37), second in hits (80), second in slugging percentage (.687), tied for second in RBI (51), tied for second in runs (46) and fifth in on-base percentage (.464).

She was a key part of the Jackets' record-setting 52-18 season, which included a first-ever ACC title and trip to a NCAA Regional. Under the guidance of ACC Coach of the Year Kate Madden, Tech came within a single game of reaching the Women's College World Series.

Knudsen is just the second All-American in program history. Laura Williams earned first-team honors at shortstop in 1997.

The Jackets return 13 of 15 players for next season, including Knudsen, ACC Rookie of the Year Jessica Sallinger and all-conference catcher Lindsay Wood.

-GT-