Springfield, Ohio --- Karen Wildemann, a Junior at Wittenberg University, is the recipient of the Elite 90 award for the 2017 NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Championship.

Wildemann, majoring in Biology and Finance, currently carries a 4.0 GPA. Wildemann was presented with the award during the Volleyball Championship banquet on Wednesday evening in Grand Rapids.

The Elite 90, 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 90 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. All ties are broken by the number of credits completed.

For more information on the Elite 90 award winners, log on to NCAA.com/elite-90.