AllState Student Athlete of the Week: Courtney Biddle

Oct. 25, 2003

Facing adversity is nothing new in sports. It's how the athlete handles that adversity which reveals his or her true character. For some, adversity makes them bounce back stronger than ever. Courtney Biddle, a senior on the Ole Miss soccer team, is a prime example of that.

The 5-foot-1 senior had to sit out the 2002 campaign after suffering an ACL injury to her right knee in preseason drills. Undaunted, Biddle devoted herself to rehabilitation and has come back stronger than ever for the 2003 Ole Miss squad that has a 13-3 overall record - entering play this weekend - and is ranked in the nation's Top 25 poll. The leader of the Rebel defense, she has helped hold the opposition to 0.62 goals per game and less than 10 shot attempts per contest. The Ole Miss defense has posted nine shutouts in 2003, the most shutouts in a single season. Biddle has also helped the Rebels on the offensive end, netting three goals this year.

Prior to her 2002 injury season, Biddle saw action primarily at forward. Entering the 2003 campaign, she had 10 goals and seven assists for 27 career points. Her 10 goals and seven assists were tied for the 10th spot on both career charts.

Just as she has done on the field, Biddle proven she is a winner in the classroom. The Pittsburgh, Pa., native graduated in May 2003 with a 3.50 grade-point average in Criminal Justice. She is now doing coursework for her master's degree in Community Counseling. She has been named to the Chancellor's Honor Roll (3.75-4.00 gpa) twice and the UMAA Honor Roll (3.00-3.49 gpa) twice. Biddle, an SEC Academic Honor Roll pick, has also been active in the Oxford and University communities, taking part in several projects and activities through the Ole Miss CHAMPS Life Skills program.

For excellence in both soccer and academics, Courtney Biddle is this week's Allstate Insurance Student-Athlete of the Week.

The University of Mississippi Athletics

Related Videos