The Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) announced Wednesday that Lauren Kreckie (Braintree, Mass.), a three-year letterwinner and co-captain of the Simmons College basketball program has been named a recipient of the 2008 GNAC Sportsmanship Award. The GNAC Sportsmanship Award honors student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior.

"The recognition that Lauren's receiving should not come as a surprise to anyone whose had the pleasure of meeting or watching her play, Lauren has that rare quality of balancing competitiveness and humility. She conducts herself with class and dignity on and off the court. I do think however that her parents (Patti and Jack) should also share in this achievement, it's no coincidence that Lauren has displayed certain traits and characteristics, she has excellent role models. She is deserving of everything that comes her way. I don't think the GNAC could have found a better representative for the sportsmanship award." said Head Basketball Coach Tony Price.

The conference (GNAC) award qualifies her for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Sportsmanship Award, which honors student-athletes who through their actions in the competitive arena of intercollegiate athletics, have demonstrated one or more of the ideals of sportsmanship, including fairness, civility, honesty, unselfishness, respect and responsibility. Selections are made by the NCAA Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct.

Kreckie just completed her junior year at Simmons, where she is majoring in education.  She was an All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference third-team selection last season and twice earned Great Northeast Athletic Conference Weekly Honor Roll accolades.  She averaged 12.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.72 steals and 2.0 assists per game.