ESPANOLA, NM - Northern women’s basketball student-athletes, Estrella Padilla and Shanae Roybal were both named 2012 Division II Women’s Basketball Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athletes, as it was announced Monday, March 12, 2012 by the NAIA.

Padilla is a junior from Valdez, NM, who is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s of Science degree with a major in RN to BSN at Northern. She has made the Dean’s List every semester she has attended Northern, since her freshman year, achieving above a 3.0 G.P.A all five semesters, thus far. Head coach, Christina Jost stated, “I am so proud of Estrella and her achievement of the NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete award. She has continued to excel in the classroom since her first day on campus, and I believe she will continue to, thru graduation. Estrella represents our women’s basketball program in the upmost fashion. I am confident she will fulfill her goal of becoming a nurse and continue to be a positive and successful ambassador for Northern New Mexico College in her professional career.” Padilla currently holds an overall G.P.A. of 3.77.

Roybal is a junior from Santa Fe, NM, who is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s of Science degree with a major in biology. Shanae has been at Northern since the fall 2010 semester and has been named to the Dean’s List each semester, achieving a 4.0 G.P.A. all 3 semesters, thus far. “Shanae’s excellence in the classroom is a direct result of all the hard work she has put into her studies. Her achievements of a 4.0 G.P.A. 3 semesters in a row, is a true testament to her drive and dedication. I am so very proud to have Shanae as a member of our women’s basketball program, as she continues to set the standards high both in the classroom and on the court. She continues to shine academically and I believe will utilize the education she receives here at Northern to further her professional career,” stated head coach Christina Jost. Roybal currently holds an overall G.P.A. of 4.06.

Both Padilla and Roybal were sidelined with injuries this season. Padilla saw limited action due to a severe shoulder injury, while Roybal opted to take a medical red-shirt this season after suffering a concussion during a practice.

The NAIA requirements for the Daktronics Scholar-Athlete award are the student-athlete must be a junior or above in academic standing and have a 3.5 or higher cumulative G.P.A.