Wirtz, a biology major and Phi Beta Kappa scholar, is an outstanding member of the soccer team. Multiple winner of Academic All-American honors, she led the Denison team in scoring during her sophomore and senior seasons, was named as a four-time NCAC All Conference team member, four-time NSCAA All-Great Lakes team member and three-time NSCAA All-American. Wirtz also has been awarded a NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. She served as vice president of Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honorary, as an admissions office tour guide, as a coach for the Newark Youth Soccer Association, and as a volunteer with Hope for Autism.

Presentation remarks:

"Colleen, faculty and coaches commonly use three words in their descriptions of you: 'balance,' 'teamwork,' and 'perspective.' A stellar biology major and perennial anchor of the soccer team, your record at Denison includes selection as a Phi Beta Kappa Scholar, multiple awards as Academic All-American in soccer, and the Dean's Leadership Award for your service to the Denison and Licking County communities. One of your teachers says that in the classroom you are a superior student who 'has the ability to make those around you comfortable.' Another faculty member comments that on the field you 'dominate the game with your balance: dribbling the ball with Velcro-like skill or slotting the quick pass that frees up a teammate.' He adds that you are always in control, and you make the whole team better by your calm leadership.

"It is no surprise, then, that in your role as team captain, you have been, as your coach puts it, a good listener, a thoughtful organizer, a strategic conceptualizer of the big picture, and a trusted teammate always sensitive to your teammates needs. Your accomplishments on the field include: three-time NSCAA All-American, four-time NSCAA All-Great Lakes, four-time NCAC All-Conference, First-Team Adidas Scholar All-American, and leader of Denison team in scoring as a sophomore and senior.

"Just this month you were awarded the highly coveted NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, truly the crown jewel of your combined academic and athletic endeavors. In addition to all these accomplishments, you have served the community as vice president of Omicron Delta Kappa, Admissions Office tour guide, a head soccer coach for the Newark Youth Soccer Association, and committed volunteer for Hope for Autism.