OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (SeniorClassAward.com) – Duke University defender/midfielder Christina Gibbons has been selected in nationwide balloting as the 2016 Senior CLASS Award® winner in NCAA® Division I women’s soccer.

The award, chosen by a vote of Division I women’s soccer coaches, national soccer media and fans, is given annually to the most outstanding senior student-athlete in Division I women’s soccer. In order to be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: classroom, community, character and competition.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Senior CLASS Award was inspired by Duke men’s basketball player Shane Battier and his decision to forego the NBA to remain in school all four years. Established in 2001, the award is presented in 10 NCAA sports and focuses on the total student-athlete, encouraging students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

“For me, this award represents everything that a student-athlete wishes to be during their four years of college,” said Gibbons, the fourth Blue Devil to win the Senior CLASS Award behind Alison Bales (2007), J.J. Redick (2006) and Alana Beard (2004). “Winning the award has given me the confidence to continue to pursue excellence in each endeavor, knowing that I can have a consistent impact on the people around me. I feel humbled, yet determined to uphold the same standards of hard work and commitment in every aspect of my life upon graduation.”