News

Stanford’s Andi Sullivan Wins the 2017 Senior CLASS Award® for Women’s Soccer

November 30, 2017

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (November 30, 2017) – Stanford University midfielder Andi Sullivan has been selected in nationwide balloting as the 2017 Senior CLASS Award® winner in NCAA® Division I women’s soccer.

The award, chosen by a vote of Division I women’s soccer coaches, national soccer media and fans, is given annually to the most outstanding senior student-athlete in Division I women’s soccer. In order to be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: classroom, community, character and competition.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Senior CLASS Award was inspired by Duke men’s basketball player Shane Battier and his decision to forego the NBA to remain in school all four years. Established in 2001, the award is presented in 10 NCAA sports and focuses on the total student-athlete, encouraging students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

“I am honored and humbled to receive the Senior CLASS award,” said Sullivan, the third student-athlete from Stanford to win the Senior CLASS Award behind women’s basketball players Nnemkadi Ogwumike in 2012 and Candice Wiggins in 2008. “Soccer has brought me amazing opportunities, most of all the chance to be a Stanford student-athlete. I’ve been able to meet and befriend extraordinary people, including many of the women nominated for this award. Being with my teammates every day has been a gift I will deeply miss. My teammates are such powerful women, constantly looking to better themselves and the people around them. Everyone who had been involved in my Stanford experience, from our staff, to our classmates, professors, families, and friends, has made me want to carry on this passion and energy to be a better person. I hope that I can bring that inspiration to others, as so many have done for me.”

On the pitch, Sullivan has distinguished herself as one of the top female collegiate soccer players in the country. A three-time semi-finalist and one-time finalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy honoring the top player in the country, Sullivan already this season has earned the 2017 Pac 12 Midfielder of the Year and earned her fourth first-team All-Pac 12 honor after leading Stanford to a 22-1-0 record and appearance in the Women’s College Cup. A two-time first-team NSCAA All-American and the 2016 Pac 12 Player of the Year, Sullivan has further distinguished herself as one of the game’s elite by receiving four call-ups to the U.S. Women’s National Team since October 2016.

Off the field, the management science and engineering major has remained committed to her work in the classroom, holding an impressive 3.293 GPA and earning two Pac-12 All-Academic Honorable Mention selections.

“Andi is one of the best leaders and most competitive student-athletes that I have had the privilege to coach,” said Head Coach Paul Ratcliffe. “She strives for excellence in everything she does, and this award is a testament to her hard work and determination.”

In addition to her competition and classroom responsibilities, Sullivan—a three-year team captain—has made community outreach a consistent priority. During her time at Stanford, she has been involved with multiple community service/outreach events including the Gardner Elementary walk-a-thon, Clinic for Female Footballers, Clinic with the Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative, and Cupertino and Hillsborough AYSO programs.

“Andi is an outstanding student-athlete, and we are thrilled that she has been voted the winner of the 2017 women’s soccer Senior CLASS Award,” said Erik Miner, executive director for the Senior CLASS Award. “She has led Stanford to incredible success while remaining dedicated to her academics and her community. Her well-rounded college career is worth rewarding, and we congratulate Andi, her team and the entire university on this honor.”

For more information, visit seniorCLASSaward.com.

Women’s Soccer 2017 Winner

First Team

Second Team