(May 29, 2003) ?C Fordham University junior outfielder Erin Brooks (Norwich, NY/Norwich) was named Third Team Verizon Academic All-America? as selected by the College Sports Information Director of America (CoSIDA) it was announced today. The team is selected by a vote of the nation??s Sports Information Directors. To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve and have a 3.2 gpa for his/her entire career. Brooks, an outfielder, was a major part of Fordham University??s softball success in 2003. IN 56 games, she is hit .313 (56-179) with ten doubles, two triples, 14 RBI and 12 stolen bases. Brooks led the team in hits, runs (33), triples and stolen bases. In league rankings, she was second in the Atlantic 10 in hits with 56 and in runs scored with 33. Brooks led the league in plate appearances (199) and was among the league leaders in triples (tied for third), stolen bases (fourth), total bases (tied for fourth with 70) and doubles (eighth). After a 14-43 record in 2002, Fordham had one of the most improved seasons in NCAA history. The Rams finished the year 37-19, the first winning season in Fordham??s 19-year softball history, and went 10-6 in the Atlantic 10 to earn their first ever Atlantic 10 Tournament playoff berth.