Iowa senior shortstop Kurt Lee was named to the Capital One Academic All-District first team on May 6.

The political-science major has posted a 3.73 cumulative GPA; he is the Hawkeyes’ first all-district honoree since 2008.

A native of Redding, Calif., Lee transferred from hometown Shasta College before the 2010 season, in which he appeared in 55 games and hit .257 with 28 RBIs in the ninth spot in the order. He went 5-for-5 with three runs scored and three RBIs in Iowa’s semifinal win over Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament, tying a school record.

Lee has had another strong season this year; he is batting .259 with 15 RBIs. He leads the team with 92 defensive assists and is second on the squad with nine stolen bases.

After scoring the winning run in Iowa’s Senior Day victory over Penn State on Sunday, Lee credited the Hawkeye community for allowing him to flourish — both on and off the field — so far from home.

"These fans, [and] these families of the other players — they’re my adopted family," he said. "They’ve been so welcoming, and I was really excited and emotional to tip my hat."

With the academic award, Lee will appear on the national ballot for Academic All-American honors.

— by Seth Roberts