Ithaca College

Lindsay Beatty, a junior at Ithaca College from Methacton, Pa., is the recipient of the Elite 89 award for the 2013 NCAA Division III Women's Rowing Championship. Beatty, majoring in clinical health studies, currently carries a 3.945 grade-point average. It is among the highest academic honors that can be presented to an NCAA student-athlete. She was presented with the award during the rowing championship banquet on Thursday morning in Indianapolis.

Beatty rows the seventh seat in Ithaca's varsity 8. The Elite 89 program has been honoring student-athletes for the last four years. Beatty is Ithaca College's second Elite 89 recipient, as Abby Jamiel of the women's crew won the award in the 2010-11 season.

The Elite 89, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 89 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's championships. Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years with their school. They must be an active member of the team, traveling and a designated member of the squad size at the championship.

For more information on the Elite 89 award winners, visit NCAA.com/elite89.