For Immediate Release
Saturday, February 25, 2017
NSIC Media Relations
NSIC Elite 18 Award

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Tara Roelofs of Winona State University was named the 2016-17 NSIC Elite 18 Award winner for women’s basketball.  Roelofs was presented the award during the pregame of the NSIC/Sanford Health women's basketball quarterfinal game on Saturday at the Sanford Pentagon.  Roelofs becomes the third Warrior to earn the Elite 18 Award this season, as she joins Raissa Hansen who won for cross country and Maria Fruechte for volleyball.

Roelofs is a senior majoring in exercise/rehab science: movement science and psychology and holds a 4.0 grade point average.  The Vernon Center, Minnesota native was an All-NSIC second team selection this season as she averaged 12.6 points per game, 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists.  She had 22 games with at least ten points and scored over 15 in nine contests.

As part of the NSIC 25th Anniversary celebration, the NSIC Elite 18 Award was instituted to recognize the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the NSIC Championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The NSIC Elite 18 award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NSIC’s 18 Championships.