Freeman named NCAA Central Region's Female Athlete of the Year

Central Collegiate Ski Association

Mon, Jun  6, 2011 - By Green Bay Athletics

GREEN BAY, Wis. (GreenBayPhoenix.com) - Following an impressive senior campaign in 2010-11, Green Bay Nordic skier Carolyn Freeman (Ely, Minn.) has been selected as the NCAA Central Region's Female Athlete of the Year. The award was voted on by the region's coaches.

"Although I did not get to personally coach Carolyn, I know her dedication to the sport, hard work ethic and academic achievements contributed to her winning this award," said Ken Statz, who was hired as Green Bay's head coach in April. "This is one of the most decorated awards in collegiate skiing and our team is honored to have it go to one of our student-athletes."

Freeman capped off a stellar career for the Phoenix by winning seven individual races as a senior, including the classic race at the NCAA Central Regional. The first-team all-CCSA performer earned her third straight trip to the NCAA Skiing Championships in Stowe, Vt.,  which was highlighted by a 15th-place showing in the 5K freestyle event. Freeman also qualified as an alternate for the United States U-23 Olympic development team following the U.S. Cross Country Championships.

Freeman turned in the best season of her career following the loss of her coach, mentor and friend, Butch Reimer, who lost his battle with leukemia in October of 2010. Reimer was inducted into the Phoenix Hall of Fame in April, while Freeman served as one of the guest speakers at the induction ceremony. Freeman was guided by interim head coach Nate Balk and assistant coach Steve Teclaw during her senior year.

Finishing her college career with a 3.716 grade-point average, Freeman graduated cum laude in May with a degree in communication with an emphasis in organizational communication and a minor in arts management. She was also one of seven Green Bay student-athletes to receive the University Leadership Award.