COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - For the first time in Nicholls Athletics' history, two Colonels were named to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) All-American Team as senior softball players Ashton Bennett and Ashley Bertot were among 229 collegiate and high school athletes to be recognized by the organization.

“These two girls have worked their tails off since the day I got here two years ago,” said Nicholls Strength and Conditioning Coach Ryan Dupre. “They both have many characteristics that make them special athletes. Their hard work, dedication, belief in my methodology, willingness to learn and excellence on and off the field are just a few of the reasons I decided to nominate them both.”

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), which was founded in 1978, is the leader in the research and education of strength and conditioning professionals. The NSCA All-American Strength and Conditioning Athletes of the Year program recognizes those collegiate and high school athletes, whose athletic accomplishments, in the opinion of their strength coach, reflect their dedication to strength training and conditioning. These athletes are also recognized for their academic and personal accomplishments and their integrity as student athletes.

During their second “maxing out” period, which took place at the end of the 2012 Fall Semester, both Bennett and Bertot impressed not only Coach Dupre and Nicholls Softball Head Coach Angel Santiago, but also numerous male athletes.

“Some of the guys could not believe that Ashley was able to squat 290 pounds and Ashton was able to power clean 180 pounds. These two girls are more than impressive in the weight room” Coach Dupre said.

Bennett set the bar high totaling 635 pounds in three lifts (bench press, squat, and power clean), while Bertot, who is pound for pound the strongest female at Nicholls, finished with a total of 565 pounds for the three lifts.

“It has truly been an honor to work with Ashton Bennett and Ashley Bertot these past two years,” Coach Dupre said. “These girls earned the right to be honored for their efforts in the weight room and outside the weight room, and being named to the 2013 NSCA All-American Team does just that. I am so proud of them. And we have a few girls on the team that I will be looking to nominate next year if their hard work and effort continues. Some of the younger girls put up some impressive numbers, and they should only improve as they continue their time here in the weight room.”

Bennett has put together another solid campaign for the Colonels in the circle, posting an 11-11 record, 65 strikeouts in 130.1 innings pitched. At the plate, she has 17 RBIs and a team-high four home runs. Bertot, who ranks in the top 20 in the Southland in hitting with a .350 average, has 50 hits on the year and is tied for third in the conference with 12 stolen bases.

Bennett and Bertot, along with fellow seniors Leah Andrus and Alaina Guidry, will be honored Sunday, May 5 for Senior Day against in-state rival McNeese.