Penn State New Kensington’s All-American Allison Nicklas is equally adept in the radiological sciences classroom as she is on the softball field. Nicklas and three radiological sciences classmates presented their research, “Neurocysticercosis,” in April at the campus’ Research Exposition.
UPPER BURRELL, Pa. — The accolades continue for Penn State New Kensington centerfielder Allison Nicklas who was named to the 2017 United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) softball All-America team. The recent alumna was selected in May to the Penn State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) All-Conference squad.
Nicklas hit .500, tops in the conference and fourth best in the nation. A consummate leadoff hitter, Nicklas was third in the PSUAC and ninth in the USCAA in stolen bases with 17. She hit seven triples and scored a team-leading 35 runs. Nicklas led the New Kensington Lions to their first PSUAC play-off berth since 2012.
Nicklas was equally adept in the classroom as she was on the field. She is a member of the USCAA Academic All-America team. Nicklas and three classmates presented their research, “Neurocysticercosis,” at the campus’ Research Exposition in April. She graduated in May after earning an associate degree in radiological sciences.
The Seneca Valley High School product is the third campus student-athlete to garner All-America and Academic All-America honors in the same season. Adam Stawski, golf, and Jeremy Hurt, men’s basketball, accomplished the feat in 2012 and 2008, respectively.
Head coach Mike Marsili’s team finished the season at 13-7 and earned the third seed on the PSUAC playoffs. The New Kensington Lions fell to second-seeded Penn State Fayette in the quarterfinals.
Bill Woodard
Alumni and Public Relations Specialist
