Valerie Arioto Wins Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award

Three-time All-American Valerie Arioto and USSSA Pride Draftee of the University of California has been selected as the 2012 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award winner in NCAA® Division I softball. The announcement and trophy presentation were made on June 1st by Lowe’s, an official corporate partner of the NCAA, during the NCAA Women’s College World Series®.

The award was and is chosen by a nationwide vote of Division I softball head coaches, national media and fans, is given annually to the most outstanding senior student-athlete in NCAA Division I softball. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have nable achievements in four areas of excellence which are community, classroom, character and competition.

“I am honored to have won the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award. I am very grateful to have been included among so many other talented and giving student-athletes. This award means a lot to me because it’s not just about success on the field,” Arioto said. “While I have enjoyed my softball accomplishments and will never forget my experiences with my teammates, it’s giving back to my community and the degree I received from the University of California that mean so much to me. My family, coaches and teammates have been instrumental in all of my success – both on and off the field. I was floored by the fan support, and my team and I would not be where we are without their continued devotion.”

Arioto’s new Pro team The USSSA Pride is extremely proud to have another Lowe’s award winner as a part of their team.

About USSSA Florida Pride:

The USSSA Florida Pride is a professional franchise in the National Pro Fastpitch League that is owned and operated by USSSA. The amateur organization of USSSA has multi-sport coverage and encompasses teams and players from the United States and abroad.

About NPF:

National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Nashville, TN. The league, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names of Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL). NPF is the Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women’s fastpitch softball since 2002.

About USSSA:

The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA), headquartered in Osceola County, Florida, USSSA is the World’s Largest Multi-sport Athletic Organization. Founded in 1968, USSSA has grown to over 3.7 million participants, competing in 13 nationally sanctioned sports including Baseball, Fastpitch, Slow Pitch, Karate, Basketball, Soccer and more! For more information on USSSA and to register your team visit USSSA.com. Also be sure to visit USSSAToday.com for the latest USSSA News!