Butters receives Gary Dirksen Achievement Award

PELLA ? Central College women?s basketball forward Jessica Butters (senior, Kalona, Mid-Prairie High School) has received the 2017 Gary Dirksen Achievement Award.

Butters, a 5-foot-7 forward, averaged 1.8 points per game in 2016-17. She had a career-high nine points on senior day against Simpson on Feb. 11. A three-time academic all-Iowa Conference honoree, she was also named the program?s teammate of the year in 2014-15.

Named for a Central graduate, longtime college administrator and ardent supporter of Dutch Athletics, the Gary Dirksen Achievement Award is presented to a player who strives to achieve at a high level on and off the court. Consideration is given to the player?s academic efforts, as well as attempts to serve in leadership roles on campus and through community involvement.

The Dutch finished 9-16 overall and compiled a 2-14 record in the Iowa Conference.