CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. – Wellesley College senior Kim Eaton ended her collegiate golf career by winning the highest award possible, as she was named the Ping/National Golf Coaches Association (NGCA) Division III Golfer of the Year. Eaton was presented with the trophy at the NCAA Championships.

Eaton, a Shepherdstown, WV native, was also named a first-team All-American by the NGCA, as well as a first-team All-Region selection. The All-American selection was the fourth for Eaton, as she earned the honors in each of her seasons in Blue. Only three other Wellesley College athletes in the program's history have accomplished that feat.

This season, Eaton was ranked first or second among Division III golfers in nearly every statistical report. She notched three tournament wins, earning medalist honors at the Dartmouth Invitational, the Vassar Invitational and the Jack Leaman Invitational. Eaton also finished second at both the Williams Fall Invitational and the Ann S. Batchelder Invitational.

"Kimberly's relentless determination and poise under pressure has inspired us all. She has graciously handled her pre-med studies and quest for athletic excellence in a way that few can model," explained Head Coach Sherry Makerney. "Kimberly has a quiet confidence and easy going demeanor that has made her an endearing team captain and role model."

Eaton will graduate as the most decorated golfer in program history. Along with her four-time All-American and All-Region status, she owns two of the top NCAA finishes in Wellesley history, as she has twice finished 10^th at the event. In 2010, she recorded the lowest round at the tournament, vaulting her up 11 spots to make the top 10. This season, she recovered from a slow start on day one, to move up 27 spots before the tournament was cut short due to weather.

"Kimberly and I both began our journey at Wellesley College four years ago and I joke that we are both seniors. I am sad to see her go, but I'm confident she will be successful in anything she pursues," added Makerney. "Kimberly is a champion and I am privileged to have been her coach. "

The Player of the Year Award is given annually to the best player in Division I, II and III women's golf. Criteria used to evaluate each player are: head to head competition, comparison with common opponents, scoring average, place finishes in regular season events and tournament wins, and strength of schedule.

Kim Eaton Career Highlights

2010-11 NCAA Championships – 49th Place (shortened by rain) Dartmouth Invitational – Medalist Vassar Invitational – Medalist Jack Leaman Invitational – Medalist Ann S. Batchelder lnvitational – Runner-Up Williams Fall Classic – Runner-Up   2009-10 NCAA Championships – 10th Place (tournament low round of 75) Williams Spring Invitational – First Place (fell in medalist playoff) Massachusetts State Collegiate Championships – First Place (fell in medalist playoff) Vassar Invitational – Third Place   2008-09 NCAA Championships – 45th Place Massachusetts State Collegiate Championships – Medalist  Vassar Invitational – Medalist Ann S. Batchelder Invitational – Runner-Up Wellesley Spring Invitational – Runner-Up Mount Holyoke Invitational – Runner-Up   2007-08 NCAA Championships – 10th Place Massachusetts State Collegiate Championships – Medalist Wellesley Invitational – Medalist Endicott Tri-Match – Medalist Williams Spring Invitational – Third Place   Wellesley Athletes Earning All-America Honors Every Season Betsy Masiello '03 (Field Hockey) 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 Jenna Mezin '08 (Tennis Singles) 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Jenna Mezin '08/Hali Walther '08 (Tennis Doubles) 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Kim Eaton '11 (Golf) 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011