NEWINGTON, NH – Seacoast Mavericks and University of Notre Dame infielder Tommy Chase has been named one of five finalists for the 2012 Coach Wooden Citizenship Cup on Thursday.

The award, sponsored by Athletes for a Better World and named after legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden, is given to one collegiate and one professional who have made the greatest difference in the lives of others. The recipients are athletes of excellence both on and off the field, role models both as performers and persons.

“Tommy Chase represents everything you want in a college athlete. He is the true definition of a student athlete who is also a strong leader in the community,” said Seacoast Director of Baseball Operations Mike Daboul. “He is the type of person young athletes can and should look up to.”

Chase, co-captain of the Notre Dame baseball team, has participated in numerous organizations to assist the well-being of others, including, but not limited to, Habitat for Humanity, Pediatric Christmas Party, and South Bend's LifeWorks Dream Team program, according the Notre Dame website.

This year’s professional recipient is University of Tennessee woman’s basketball coach Pat summit. Past winners of the award include Tim Tebow (2009 Collegiate), Cal Ripken Jr. (2009 Professional) and Peyton Manning (2005 Professional).

Chase is the son of Mark and Laura Chase, residents of Cohasset, MA.

The Seacoast Mavericks are a member of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. For more information visit www.seacoastmavericks.com and www.thefuturesleague.com .