June 22, 2009

Columbia, Mo. - Recent Missouri graduate Andee Allen (Barnhart, Mo.) was awarded the National Strength and Conditioning (NSCA) Athlete of the Year award. Recognized for her dedication to strength training and conditioning, the Tiger second baseman is one of 206 collegiate athletes from 119 schools to earn the annual accolade.

A member of Missouri's Women's College World Series softball squad, Allen was nominated for the award based on her performance in the weight room as well as her commitment to strength training and conditioning.

"As a strength and conditioning coach, I love to see people who make the absolute most of themselves," Andrew Paul said. "Andee is exactly that. She stands at 5-2 and 110 pounds, but she has built herself into an All-Big 12 performer. Her performance on the field is a direct result of the work she has put in off the field. Andee has gained the respect of, and serves as a role model, for underclassmen. In the weight room, Andee makes everyone around her better with her championship level attitude. There is no doubt in my mind that Andee is deserving of this award. I have never seen an athlete make so much out of a little, both literally and figuratively."

Allen closed out her Tiger softball career with a .302 average. In 660 at bats, Allen managed 199 hits, good enough for sixth best in the Missouri career hits record book. Additionally, Allen notched 41 doubles, scored 120 runs and was credited with 103 RBI, all marks good enough to stand top-10 of the record books.

The NSCA All-American Athlete of the Year Award program is in its 30th year, and is made possible by a grant from Power Systems, Inc., a Knoxville, Tenn., fitness product leader.