National Collegiate Athletic Association
NCAA News Archive - 2010
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Around DIII: Hamline pitcher goes from mound to lab
May 18, 2010 9:02:18 AM The NCAA News
This fall, she will begin work on a Ph.D. in the biochemistry, molecular biology and biophysics program at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Weaver will continue research begun while an undergraduate student at Hamline, which is located in St. Paul. "The focus of the lab is on beneficial mutation and innate immunity, specifically for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)," she said. "The project that I have been working on and will continue to work on as a graduate student is elucidating the binding characteristics of two proteins involved in the HIV infection and replication." Weaver, who transferred to Hamline from Wisconsin-River Falls before the start of her sophomore year, posted a 3.75 cumulative grade-point average while majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. She received the Ruth Sullivan Award, given to the Hamline junior biology student of the year and a Walter A. Kenyon Award for outstanding senior biology students. On the field, Weaver posted a career record of 44-28 with five saves in 86 appearances. Her career earned-run average is 3.15, and she struck out 259 batters in 452.0 innings pitched. "Not only have I enjoyed my academic experience at Hamline, but I have also really enjoyed playing softball," she said. "Being a student-athlete was challenging, but it would have been much more difficult if I wouldn't have had such great professors who understood my commitment to my sport and such great coaches who understood the importance of academics." For more on Weaver's experience at Hamline and her work at Minnesota, read her post available at the "Inside Piper Athletics" blog.
Najem, a member of the track team, was competing at the New England Championships, while Lavado and her teammates were participating in the Little East Conference softball tournament. Najem and Lavado, who traded in their uniforms for caps and gowns, were surrounded by family, friends, and teammates as well as their respective coaches Peter Thomas and Charlie Beach at the event held at the college's new Alumni and Advancement Center.
"One of the themes this year has been an effort to bring our department, our programs and our athletics community together," said Athletics Director Michael Spinner. "The new logo and brand identity sends the message that while we have eight athletics programs, we are one department." The project has been a priority for Spinner since he arrived as AD last June. "This was the final major initiative of the 2009-10 academic year," he said. "We have set the stage to follow up an amazing year with even better things next year. This new logo is unique from other institutions that use the Gator as its mascot, and it is a great new look for our department and our athletics programs."
Gift for WPI: Worcester Polytechnic Institute received a $1 million gift from the George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation to support the university's new Sports and Recreation Center. The gift will make possible a glass-enclosed, light-filled main entrance for the building to be known as the George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Atrium. Construction of the 140,000-square-foot Sports and Recreation Center began just after the school's May 15 commencement and is to conclude in August 2012. The facility will house:
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Pitcher Jessalyn Weaver started 66 games in her three-year career with the Hamline University softball team, but it's her next start that might be the most impressive of all.
Amended commencement: Unable to attend Keene State College's graduation on May 8, student-athletes Peter Najem and Stephanie Lavado were awarded their degrees in a special commencement ceremony May 10.
Sleeker Gator: College of Notre Dame (Maryland) unveiled its new athletics logo at its annual banquet on May 8. While the mascot remains as the Gator, the new logo features a sleeker design.