Brooke Pancake SEC's female athlete of year

photo Alabama's Brooke Pancake watches her birdie putt attempt roll toward the hole on the 18th green during the final round of the NCAA Division I women's golf championship, on Friday, May 25, 2012, in Franklin, Tenn. Pancake made par on the hole and Alabama beat Southern California by one stroke to win the team championship.

Former Baylor School golfer Brooke Pancake earned Southeastern Conference female of the year honors on Thursday by a vote of SEC athletic directors.

Pancake, who recently graduated from Alabama, was a three-time All-American and sank the final putt to give the Crimson Tide its first national championship.

Kentucky basketball player Anthony Davis was voted male athlete of the year. Later Thursday, he became the first pick in the NBA draft.

"Anthony and Brooke are true examples of outstanding student-athletes," SEC commissioner Mike Slive said in a released statement. "They have competed at the highest level of collegiate athletics, and through their hard word, dedication and commitment.

"They are outstanding representatives of their universities and their conference."

Pancake, who won four individual state titles while at Baylor, will make her professional golf debut next Thursday in the U.S. Women's Open.

"I would say her chances are really good to make it," Baylor coach emeritus King Oehmig said. "She can be an LPGA professional and keep her tour card and be in contention on the national and international stage."

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