Classroom:Stutz holds a 3.89 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale as a learning and organizational change major at Northwestern University. She is minoring in business institutions and anticipates graduating in June 2008. She has been a member of the Dean's List for eight of the nine quarters she has been enrolled in the university and has been an Academic All-Big Ten selection two years in a row. She was also named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team in 2007. In addition to success in her academic studies, Stutz has sought to enhance her practical understanding of the business world through internships at Winston & Strawn, an international law firm located in Chicago, and St. Aubin, Haggerty & Associates, a strategic human recource management consulting firm in Northbrook, Ill. Her career aspirations include a position in the business consulting field prior to pursuing her law degree or MBA.
Character:Stutz's character and leadership can be seen through the fact that she was named a team captain this season. She has earned the respect of her teammates through her vocal leadership on the court as well as her relentless work ethic. She is that player who is on the court first before a game, on the practice court taking extra shots and in the weight room adding extra repetitions to her workout. For her all-around character, she was awarded a Ryan Family Endowed Scholarship in 2007. She was also nominated for the Mortar Board Honor Society (2007) and is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society (2005).
Competition:As a senior captain, Stutz's role on the squad is critical to the success of the team. There are six newcomers this season, and it is up to the upperclassmen, led by Stutz, to show them the ropes and acclimate them what it takes to play in the Big Ten—while also keeping up with their studies. She is the team's leading returning scorer (11.0 ppg) and has started in 80 of 88 games throughout her career. She has not missed a single contest through her three years at NU. As a guard, she holds a career 3.4 rpg average and has dished out 200 assists in three seasons. She is also a 72 percent career free-throw shooter. Additionally, she has been recognized by Northwestern's strength and conditioning staff as an "Iron Cat," which reflects top performance in a variety of exercises, including sprinting, weight lifting and strength. This kind of example is hard not to follow as a freshman or newcomer. She is also the first person on the floor after a loose ball and the one that hustles down the floor to stop a fast break.