Softball’s Long Named to ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District VIII Team
Senior garners second such honor after leading Toros to CCAA Championship and best record in school history, all while maintaining 3.23 GPA as business major
May 17, 2005

Carson, CA -- Cal State Dominguez Hills senior Valerie Long (Stockton, CA/St. Mary’s HS) has been selected to the 2005 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America College Division Softball District VIII Team, it was announced by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Long, who compiled a 21-5 record this season, led the Toros to their first California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) title since 1983, and a program-best 46-12 overall record.

Valerie Long had a 21-5 record in the circle this season. She had a good record in the classroom as well, maintaining a 3.23 GPA as a business major. Photo by Michael Foo

Long, who will graduate from Cal State Dominguez Hills in May next year, maintains a 3.23 GPA as a business major and received the Toros Female Student Athlete of the Year Award at the CSUDH Student-Athlete Reception, held on May 9.

On the field, Long established the CSUDH career marks for wins and strikeouts this season, and the single-season mark for strikeouts during which she won 21 games (21-5). She earns her second Academic All-America selection after garnering a second-team Academic All-America nod in 2003. Entering last week’s Far West Regional, which was hosted by Cal State Dominguez Hills, Long ranked 21st nationally in strikeouts per 7 innings, led the conference in strikeouts and opposing batting average, was 2nd in wins and 3rd in ERA. Long earned two CCAA Pitcher of the week honors this season and is credited with the only two postseason wins in the program’s history.

In addition, Long earlier was named to both the 1st-team All-Region and 1st-team All-CCAA squads, marking the second time she has been selected to the All-Region team (2nd-Team selection in 2004) and the third time she has been selected for all-conference (3rd-Team selections in 2004 and 2003). Long’s 1st-team All-Region accolade makes her eligible for All-America honors, which will be announced later this month.

The Toros, whose season ended last Friday in the 2nd round of the NCAA Far West Regional, ranked 10th nationally at the end of the regular season and will return their top nine hitters and one of their two top pitchers from this year’s record-breaking squad.