It takes talent and hard work to play a varsity sport while attending an Ivy League institution. But it takes a lot more to do well.
Last week, two such Dartmouth seniors were awarded for their excellence both on the field and in classrooms.
The College Sports Information Directors of America named Lauren Scopaz '00 and Katie Roda '00 to the District 1 GTE Academic All America At-Large team last week.
Scopaz is the field hockey team's all-time scoring leader in every offensive category. She has netted 40 goals, 32 assists and 112 points. Scopaz was named first team All-Ivy in 1996, 1997 and 1999.
This season, Scopaz led the Dartmouth to an ECAC Championship, while starting in all 19 games. The team posted a 14-5 record.
"I feel very honored to receive the award," Scopaz said.
"It was completely unexpected and a really wonderful surprise. The award means a lot to me because it equally recognizes academics and athletics, both of which I have striven to do my best while at Dartmouth.
Roda, a defender on the women's soccer team, led her team to the second round of the NCAA Championship this fall. The team had a 10-8-1 record.
This fall, she was selected first team All-Ivy and third team NSCAA/Adidas All-America as well as Academic All-Ivy last year.
"I am definitely pleased to have been recognized for academics in addition to athletics," Roda said. "I think every student athlete here pushes themselves to perform well in both areas and to have someone take note of my efforts is extremely rewarding."
Coincidentally, both Scopaz and Roda are pursuing a career in the consulting industry. Scopaz will be working for a strategic consulting firm in Boston, while Roda will be in Portsmouth, NH working for a management consulting company.
Scopaz said she will also be leading a bike tour in Europe this summer.
