University of Houston Athletics
Valis Recognized as NSCA All-American Athlete
4/12/2007 12:00:00 AM | Softball
April 12, 2007
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - University of Houston softball shortstop Jessica Valis was recently awarded by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) its annual All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year honor. The award recognizes student-athletes' dedication to strength training and conditioning.
The NSCA awarded 239 athletes from 165 schools with this honor. Valis was nominated by UH strength coach Dale Jones and was one of 19 softball players in the nation to earn this award.
"Jessica works hard at everything she does and is continually looking to get better on the field and in the weight room," Jones said. "She is one of those athletes that is easy to coach and is a joy to work with, because she has such a great work ethic."
Valis posted a broad jump of 7 feet, 3.5 inches and an average 20-yard time of 2.84 seconds. Both are marks that Valis improved on after earning All-Conference USA First-Team and All-Freshman accolades last season.
The NSCA All-American Athlete of the Year award programs is in its 28th year and is made possible by a grand from Power Systems Inc., a Knoxville, Tenn. fitness product leader.
"The advantages of strength training and conditioning can't be denied in collegiate athletics," NSCA executive director Robert Jursnick said. "These student-athletes attest to this understanding and are to be applauded for their hard work and dedication."
