COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Earlier this summer the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and EAS Sports Nutrition announced seniors Amanda Lewis, Nicki Tetherow and Sinjin Todd as 2017 All-America Athletes of the Year from Cal Lutheran.
Each year the organization recognizes student-athletes, at both the collegiate and high school levels, for athletic accomplishments and dedication to strength training and conditioning, as determined by the strength and conditioning coach at the given institution. Honorees are also selected based on academic and personal accomplishments as well as overall integrity as student-athletes.
This year, Todd headlined the athletic accomplishments, going out on top as part of the 2017 NCAA Division III National champion Cal Lutheran baseball program while he helped guide CLU to four straight SCIAC regular season titles during his career. The four-year letter-winner and starting left fielder for the Kingsmen in 2017 led the team in stolen bases (15) and was second on the squad in runs scored (40) and walks (23) during his final campaign. A biology major with a minor in mathematics, Todd also excelled in the classroom with his third consecutive CLU Scholar-Athlete Society Induction as he prepares to continue his education in pursuit of becoming a veterinarian.
"Though unassuming and not large in stature, Todd is a tremendous leader," strength and conditioning coach Chris Cabrera went on, "His work ethic and commitment to physical preparation sets quite an example for his teammates." Cabrera also said, "Undoubtedly, he will be a success in whatever post-collegiate endeavor he chooses and has been an absolute pleasure to coach."
Lewis, a four-year member of the softball team worked tirelessly in the classroom and on the diamond for the Regals. A three-year starter, Lewis earned Second Team All-SCIAC as a junior and during her career climbed into 10th all-time at CLU for career doubles (28) while also finishing with 11 two-baggers in both 2015 and 2016 to tie for 8th in a single-season for the Violet and Gold. The Northridge, Calif. native graduated in May with a degree in psychology with aspirations of becoming a neonatal nurse.
"Lewis is widely considered a leader among her teammates and notwithstanding the team's early-morning training schedule, her enthusiasm is infectious," strength and conditioning coach Joel Canacoo said. "Her worth ethic is contagious and she challenges and inspires her teammates to prepare diligently and exuberantly."
Finally, Tetherow has amassed a plethora of success on the volleyball court for the Regals, including a school record 1,737 digs, an AVCA All-West Region recognition as a senior and two Second Team All-SCIAC nods. Additionally, she was instrumental as a member of the 2015 NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball National Championship team, with an All-Tournament Team selection, and four straight SCIAC regular season titles with the Violet and Gold. She recently graduated with a degree in communication.
"Nicki, a three-year team captain, is one of the most committed, unselfish, enthusiastic, gritty athletes whom I've had the privilege to coach," director of strength and conditioning Dr. Pat Holmberg shared.
All three student-athletes recognized have helped elevate their respective sports to the next level while at Cal Lutheran.
Past CLU honorees include Michael Bassette, Amanda Hamilton, Monica Lundgren, Arik Smith, Lauren Rohach, Chris Cabrera, Jackie Russell, Andrew Pankow, Bjorn McMillan, Sheyenne Machida, Rian Younker and Jessica Dingman.
The NSCA All-American Athlete of the Year program has been in existence for 39 years and is made possible by a grant from Power Systems, Inc., a Knoxville, Tenn. Fitness product leader.
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