Northwestern Mutual Names NCAA Division I Women’s Softball Bracket Contest Winner [Travel & Leisure Close – Up]

Northwestern Mutual announced that Rebecca Bradford, 52, from Decatur, Texas, won the Northwestern Mutual NCAA Women's College World Series bracket contest.

According to a release, Bradford will receive a $500 gift card to the NCAA Shop, while one additional randomly selected participant will receive a $100 gift card to the NCAA Shop.

"Congratulations to Rebecca on her successful bracket picks to come out on top in our women's softball bracket contest," said Conrad York, vice president of marketing at Northwestern Mutual. "We share her passion for college athletics, and thank her for participating."

In May, Northwestern Mutual said it gave fans the opportunity to fill out their brackets to predict the winners of the 2013 NCAA Women's College World Series. The contest was the fourth in a series by the NCAA partner to extend the excitement normally associated with Division I men's basketball to other key championships.

"I'm a huge fan of college softball and couldn't be more excited to win this bracket challenge," said Bradford. "This was the first contest I've ever won, so when I received the good news, it made that moment even more special."

Bradford, a diehard Arkansas fan, shares her affinity for college sports with her daughter, Jennifer, who plays competitive softball at her local high school.

Northwestern Mutual noted that the Decatur resident believes her daughter's dedication to the sport may go beyond high school, to the collegiate level, where Jennifer would love to eventually join the team lineup at Baylor in hopes of one day competing in an NCAA Women's College World Series of her own. For now, her mom is delighted to spend a portion of her $500NCAA Shop gift card on Baylor gear, so Jennifer can at least dress the part until she graduates next year.

Northwestern Mutual is a life insurance company

More information:

www.ncaa.org

www.ncaa.com

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