ST. LOUIS -- Erin Zaideman of the University of Northern Iowa soccer team was selected Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week, Commissioner Doug Elgin announced Wednesday.  Zaideman was honored for her performance during the period of October 10-16.

       Now in its 13th year of existence, The Valley's Scholar-Athlete program is sponsored by Prairie Farms, Roberts and Hiland Dairies.  On a weekly basis, the Conference honors its student-athletes for their athletic performance for a one-week period and academic success in the classroom.

       A goalie for the UNI women's soccer team, Zaideman, a sophomore from Bartlett, Illinois, posted her third shutout of the season, as the Panthers blanked Evansville, 1-0, on October 15.

      The MVC Goalkeeper of the Week, Zaideman, who has a 3.87 cumulative grade-point average in elementary education, registered four saves to preserve UNI's victory over the Purple Aces. 

      To qualify for Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week laurels, student-athletes must carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.20, completed at least one academic year at a Valley institution and must be at least a sophomore in academic standing.  Redshirt freshmen and first-year junior college transfers are not eligible.  In addition to the academic qualifications, student-athletes will be evaluated on their athletic performance for a one-week period.