Stacey Nelson of Florida and Alison Wright of St. Thomas (Minnesota) have been chosen as the Academic All-Americans of the Year for softball by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Nelson, a pitcher for the top-ranked Gators, is a senior philosophy major. One of three finalists for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award, she earned first-team Academic All-America honors for the second consecutive year. The two-time Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Year and two-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association/Louisville Slugger All-American also is the recipient of the 2009 Lowe’s Senior Class Award. Nelson holds seven career records at Florida.

Wright, a first-team all-American outfielder for the Tommies, is the second consecutive St. Thomas softball player to be named as Academic All-American of the Year. Last year, former teammate Maria Bye earned the award. Wright is a junior business and financial management major. The three-time all-Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection led the Tommies to a 40-6 record and the conference championship.

For more information and to view a complete list of honorees, visit www.cosida.com.