HAUKAP EARNS ACADEMIC HONORS

Southeast Missouri State University senior Krista Haukap didn't put in so much time in the classroom just so she could earn Academic All-American honors.

But the Otahkians' star volleyball player figures it's a nice reward for all of her hard work over the past four years.

Haukap, the 2000 Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and Southeast's all-time leader in kills, was named Tuesday to the Verizon Academic All-America third team.

"It's pretty exciting," said Haukap. "I really didn't expect it, but I'm glad. I worked hard in the classroom."

While excelling on the volleyball court, Haukap also found time to maintain an overall 3.67 grade-point average in the field of communications disorders. She has been a Southeast Scholar-Athlete for four years and was also named to the OVC Commissioner's Honor Role.

Scheduled to graduate in May, Haukap said she will likely attend graduate school. And while she continues her studies, she'll be able to reflect on an athletic career that was remarkable.

Haukap helped lead the Otahkians to three straight NCAA Tournament berths, and this year she led them to their first-ever NCAA tourney win as she powered home an OVC-record 39 kills to spark a five-game upset of North Carolina.

"That was definitely the highlight of my career," said Haukap of the NCAA victory. "It made a perfect ending to a great career."

Added Haukaup with a laugh, "I guess now I can retire happy."

• Also Tuesday, Haukap and fellow senior standout Lea Beckemeyer were named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association Midwest Regional All-District Team.

Haukap, a two-time first-team all-OVC pick, repeated on the AVCA All-District squad.

Beckemeyer, like Haukap a member of Southeast's past three NCAA tourney squads, finished her career third on the school's all-time kills list. She joined Haukap in earning first-team all-OVC honors this year and was named the MVP of the OVC Tournament.