Lehigh University Athletics
Digneo earns top Patriot League honor
9/22/2003 12:00:00 AM | Softball
Bethlehem, PA – Lehigh shortstop Stephanie Digneo has been named the Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year for Softball in a vote of the league’s sports information directors. A sociology and social psychology major with a 3.54 grade point average, Digneo captured Lehigh’s prestigious Mary O. Hurley award given to the female athlete who best represents the traditions of leadership, character, athleticism, scholarship, service, sportsmanship, a cooperative attitude, and enjoyment of sports. She was also recognized for her excellence in the classroom by being named to the Verizon Academic All-District II team. A member of the Dean’s List, Digneo made multiple appearances on the Patriot League’s Academic Honor Roll during her four-year career. On the field, Digneo had yet another strong campaign as a senior. She led the Patriot League in hits with 63, and finished third in the league with a.384 batting average. Digneo scored 37 runs on the season (third in the league), and belted six triples, tying her for the second spot in the Patriot League. "The highest honor the Patriot League bestows is its Scholar-Athlete award, which recognizes the best of the best in academics and athletics," said Lehigh head coach Fran Troyan. "Stephanie Digneo is the consummate scholar-athlete, and our program is grateful for having Stephanie set such a wonderful example throughout her career." Digneo ends her stellar playing career as one of the best Mountain Hawks softball players in recent memory. A four-time All-Patriot League selection, Digneo collected more hits (257) than anyone else in Patriot League history. She leaves Lehigh with a career .391 batting average, 149 runs scored, and 112 runs driven in. The Mountain Hawks were a record-setting 39-10 in 2003 – including 19-1 in the league – en route to capturing their fifth straight Patriot League regular season title. Lehigh’s 39 wins established a new school record, and the 19 league victories are the most by any team in the history of the league. For more information, contact
