ROHNERT PARK, Calif-  Former Sonoma State women's basketball student-athlete Heidi Mertle has been awarded an NCAA Division II Degree-Completion Award for 2009-10. 

A four-year starter for the Seawolves, Mertle wrapped up her career this year as one of just five players in school history to record 500 points and 500 rebounds.  A graduate of Ursuline High School, Mertle is a four-time CCAA All-Academic selection and she was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District VIII squad in 2009.

The purpose of the Division II Degree-Completion Award program, which was established in 2001, is to provide financial assistance to deserving student-athletes who are working towards the completion of a first baccalaureate degree. Student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility and have received athletics financial aid are eligible candidates for this award.

To date, over $2,000,000 has been given to approximately 600 deserving student-athletes. Of those student-athletes who have received the award since its inception, 93 percent have earned their undergraduate degree using this program.

The selection process for the national award emphasizes the academic performance of the student-athlete. Other factors considered are financial circumstances, athletic achievement and involvement in campus and community activities.