Lindsey Kerecz, a member of the Class of 2012 and former Drexel Law Review editor, has been named “2012 Rookie of the Year” by Pro Wrestling Illustrated magazine.  

Known by the stage name, Veda Scott, Kerecz is just the second woman ever to receive this recognition from the magazine’s editors and readers.

“As someone who has been a crazy, obsessive fan of pro wrestling her entire life, the fact that I’ve even had one match – let alone a whole year’s worth – is surreal,” Kerecz told the magazine, which attributed her popularity with fans in part to her “nerd-chic” style, highlighted by the horn-rimmed glasses and hounds-tooth or plaid outfits she wears in the ring.

Kerecz made her debut as a professional wrestler in May 2011, while she was taking 12 law school credits: Environmental Law; Trusts and Estates; Sexual Orientation and the Law; Sex, Gender and the Law, and Law Review.

“She was a really great student - one of the best all-around writers I've taught,” Professor David S. Cohen said. “I couldn't believe she did so well while training to be a professional wrestler.”

Since her debut, Kerecz has competed in 15 states and toured Japan, facing some of the top female stars on the independent circuit, including Saraya Knight (whom she defeated), Cherry Bomb and Tomoka Nakagawa.

In the “Rookie of the Year” competition, Kerecz beat out The Big O, Jason Jordan and Bambi Hall, a second-generation pro wrestler.

Kerecz is not the first JD to be named PWI “Rookie of the Year.” In 2010, PWI’s “Rookie of the Year” honors went to Harvard Law School alumnus David Otunga, who practiced with Sidley Austin.

Now working as a broadcast journalist with Ring of Honor Wrestling television, Kerecz said she has not yet begun pursuing work in the legal profession.

She is currently in training to body slam the Pennsylvania Bar Exam in February.