Natasha Hongsermeier and Derik Bailey were named College Division At-Large Academic All-Americans.

Two Morningside student-athletes were named to the 2016-17 College Division Academic All-America Men’s and Women’s At-Large Teams as selected by College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Natasha Hongsermeier, a senior women’s tennis player from Phillips, Neb., was named a first-team Academic All-American and Derik Bailey, a junior wrestler from Smithland, Iowa, was a second-team Academic All-America selection. 

Hongsermeier, named to the Academic All-America First Team for the second year in a row, has a perfect 4.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) with a triple major in biology, chemistry and music.

Hongsermeier had a 12-3 record at No. 3 singles and combined with Abby Fitzgerald, a freshman from Fairmont, Minn., for a 12-4 record as the Mustangs’ No. 2 doubles tandem this past season.

Hongsermeier finished her career with records of 32-10 in singles and 35-16 in doubles to rank sixth in the Morningside record book in singles and doubles triumphs and eighth with 67 combined victories.

Bailey has a 3.95 cumulative GPA with a major in biology.

Bailey had a record of 11-17 with three falls and was a qualifier for the NAIA Wrestling National Championships in the 165 lb. division this past season. Bailey earned honorable mention All-Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) honors and was the 165 lb. runner-up at the NAIA North National Qualifier Tournament.

Athletes must be of at least sophomore academic status, be a starter or significant reserve, and have a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher to be eligible for CoSIDA Academic All-America honors.

Click here for the complete 2016-17 College Division Academic All-America Men’s and Women’s At-Large Teams.