DiMaria (Pittsburgh, Pa./Montour) is the first Panther in the six-year history of the program to earn first-team honors and the first to earn Big East All-Rookie Team plaudits since former Panther Kate Mitchell in 1999.

DiMaria broke a number of school records in just her first season with the Panthers. She set single-season marks for batting average (.353), hits (54), runs scored (40), doubles (13) and walks (25). DiMaria led the team in home runs (tied with six) and stolen bases (16), while ranking second in RBIs (32).

In addition to her impressive hitting skills, DiMaria was moved all around the diamond in 2003. After starting the season at second base, she moved to third base, played twice at shortstop, was moved to the outfield, and finally back to second base when injuries depleted the Panther ranks.

"Francesca was so impressive as a freshman for us this year," Head Coach Michelle Phalen said. "We knew coming in that she could hit but she showed discipline and moving around defensively as she did was not easy. She certainly did her part to help us win."

The Panthers had a school-record 24 victories in 2003, with another record seven of those wins in Big East play. Voting for the All-Big East First and Second Teams as well as the Big East All-Rookie Team was conducted by the league’s 11 head coaches.