Claudia Utz Wins Female Career Achievement Award

MEQUON, Wis. – The Concordia University Wisconsin Department of Athletics has announced Claudia Utz of the softball program as the 2023-24 Female Career Achievement Award recipient.

A senior from Lockport, Illinois, Claudia Utz claimed one of the most decorated careers in Concordia history. She helped the Falcons reach the NCAA Tournament on two separate occasions, including the first NCAA Regional title in school history.

Utz finished her career as a two-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-American. She also was voted to the NFCA All-Region First Team in 2022 and 2023.

In the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference, she claimed All-Conference honors for four seasons.

The pride of Lockport finished with 179 hits, 148 runs batted in, 124 runs, 44 doubles, 39 hit by pitches, 33 walks, 28 stolen bases, 26 home runs and eight triples. Defensively, she had 1118 put outs and gunned down 21 runners trying to steal a base.

Utz finished her career as the program leader in runs batted in, put outs, fielding percentage and hit by a pitch.

2023-24 CUW Athletics Awards

Coach of the Year: Steve Crook

Male Athlete of the Year: Chuck Emme

Female Athlete of the Year: Ricki Budewitz

Male Career Achievement Award: Spencer Herman

Female Career Achievement Award: Claudia Utz