Courtesy of Bob Heller, USP SID

Philadelphia, Pa. - University of the Sciences junior middle blocker Christine Puschak was amongst the six female athletes named to the 2009 Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Women's Volleyball Team as announced on Sunday.

The Philadelphia Area All-Academic Teams are voted on by the members of the Philadelphia Area Sports Information Directors Association (Philly-SIDA). To be eligible for selection, a student-athlete must be a sophomore academically and athletically, attend one of the 28 Philadelphia area colleges and universities and have a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

In earning area All-Academic honors for the second consecutive year Puschak (Conestoga Valley High School/Leola, Pa.) produced a 3.942 grade point average through her first four semesters at USP.  Christine is one of three repeat selections on the team and one of just two division two players to be honored.

The third year pharmacy major earned Dean's List honors in each of her first four semesters.
This past summer, Puschak was named a recipient of the Division II Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement Award, given by the D-II ADA to student athletes who have completed at least four semesters and have a grade point average of 3.5 or better.  She also earned Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) Fall Academic Team honors in 2008.

Puschak led USP this season in hitting percentage (.232) and was second on the team in kills (267) and blocks (49).  Christine also had the third highest number of service aces on the team (31).  The junior middle blocker finished the season ranking ninth in the CACC in hitting percentage and eighth in the league in kills.

One of USP's offensive leaders in each of her three seasons, Puschak currently ranks fourth on the Devils' all-time lists in kills (826) and aces (147).  She was named CACC Rookie of the Year and Honorable Mention All-Conference in 2007.

Joining Puschak on the 2009 Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Volleyball team is Area Performer of the Year Maria Horning of  Eastern University along with  Amy Drabyn (Holy Family University), Jayme Lenosky (Immaculata University), Jackie Morrison (Temple University) and Lizzie Williams(Cabrini College). Williams and Morrison are also repeat selections to this year's team.

The former Conestoga Valley High School athlete has completed her third season of play for USP. Puschak is majoring in pharmacy while pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and is on track to graduate from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia in 2013.