Di Simone is Chosen as a CRCA Scholar-Athlete

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, Ore. -- Julia Di Simone (So., Livermore, CA/Livermore Valley Charter Prep) of Willamette University has been selected to receive the Scholar-Athlete Award from the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) for the 2015-16 season.

Di Simone was in her second season with the Bearcats in 2015-16. She was a coxswain as a freshman and became a rower for WU during the current academic year.

The CRCA released its list of Scholar-Athletes in all three NCAA Divisions. In Division III, a total of 127 athletes from 25 colleges and universities earned recognition.

Qualifications for the CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award were that each athlete had to meet eligibility standards at her current university while holding sophomore, junior or senior eligibility in the NCAA.

Athletes had to participate in at least 75% of races in a boat this spring or compete at a regional conference event such as the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association (WIRA) Championships on the West Coast. In addition, a 3.5 cumulative grade point average through the fall semester of 2015 was required.

Di Simone is working toward a double major at Willamette in Anthropology and Latin American Studies. She rowed at 2-seat for the Bearcats in the women's varsity 8+ at the Northwest Conference Championship Regatta on April 24 and also rowed 2-seat in the WV8+ at the WIRA Championships on April 30 and May 1. Willamette placed fourth in the WV8+ at the NWC Championships and took third place in the Petite Final at the WIRA Championships.