Aug. 6, 2003

Coach Sujay Lama's Illinois women's tennis program continues to make strides on the court, but not at the expense of his student-athletes' academic pursuits. In fact, the Illini have proven again this year that they can shine in the classroom.

Illinois has been designated by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) as an All-Academic Team award winner for the fifth consecutive season. To be included, the squad's aggregate grade point average must be at least 3.20 (on a 4.0 scale).

Additionally, two UI players recently were selected as ITA Scholar-Athletes for having earned varsity letters and grade point averages in excess of 3.50. Departing senior Michelle Webb and sophomore-to-be Jessica Barki represented Illinois on the national list..

"We have put into place a program that expects the best out of our student-athletes, both on the court and in the classroom," said Lama. "We take a lot of pride in our women's academic accomplishments. To see them excel like that is very gratifying. It's a tremendous honor for our program."