July 15, 2014
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The Fighting Illini swimming and diving team earned the Spring 2014 Scholar All-America Team Award, which is presented each semester by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America to teams that maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Illinois tied for the 27th-highest GPA among women's division I swimming and diving teams and finished second in the Big Ten with a 3.47 GPA.
"It is gratifying to see the team's strong and consistent effort in the classroom rank among the top in the country," head coach Sue Novitsky said. "Putting in the work academically is one of the foundations of our team and the ladies take pride in aiming for a high grade point average each semester. I am very proud of the team for their belief that student-athletes at the University of Illinois can excel in all areas."
Four Illini athletes were also awarded individually for their success in the classroom, as Emily Fung, Erica Lynn, Alison Meng and Erika Murphy earned honorable mention Scholar All-America recognition. The honorable mention recognition goes to student-athletes who achieved a GPA of 3.5 or greater and a "B" national time national time standard but did not qualify or compete in the national championships. Divers qualify by competing at their respective championship qualifying meets, zones or NCAA preliminary rounds.
"It is terrific to see Emily, Erica, Alison and Erika receive recognition for their high level of both academic and athletic success," Novitsky said. "To achieve both a 3.5 GPA or higher and a NCAA "B" standard is not easy and speaks to each athlete's determination and drive. I want to thank all of the staff at the Irwin Academic Center, specifically Melinda McCormick our academic counselor for their support and encouragement of the team. In addition I would like to thank the administration for continuing to provide all of the resources so that our student-athletes can continue to work hard and progress toward their goals."
A complete list of teams and individuals who earned CSCAA Scholar All-America honors can be found HERE.
