TicketsJuly 24, 2009
CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati women's swimming and diving squad were recently ranked No. 2 in the nation academically by the Collegiate Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA).
The Bearcats, who earned a CSCAA Scholar All-American team award, had a team grade point average of 3.57, which was just below Rice University (3.57). UC was the only BIG EAST Conference squad to appear in the top-10.
During the spring 2009 academic quarter, UC recorded a team GPA of 3.633, with 16 of 22 swimmers at or above a 3.60 GPA, six women above a 3.85, and three who achieved a 4.0 GPA for the quarter. Twenty-one of the 22 squad members had GPAs above a 3.0.
The women's swimming and diving squad has also won two-straight BIG EAST Team Academic Excellence Awards, which recognizes the best team GPA in each league-sponsored sport.
Elinore de Jong was one of five UC student-athletes to win 2008-09 BIG EAST Conference Scholar-Athlete Sport Excellence Awards, which recognize academic and athletic achievement as well as community service.
The Scholar-Athlete Sport Excellence Awards are given to one student-athlete in each BIG EAST sport based on academic credentials, athletic accolades or performances and volunteer service to the community. Student-athletes who attained junior academic standing and a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 are eligible. The winners are chosen by the BIG EAST faculty athletic representatives.
De Jong tallied a pair of NCAA 'B' times in the 100 freestyle, and 100 butterfly, as well as a school record in the 100 freestyle, earning the women's Ann & Clem Buenger Most Valuable Swimmer honor, as well as the team's Championship Performance Award. She placed second in the 100 butterfly at the BIG EAST Championships, earning all-league honors, and was involved in setting six school records during the 2009 season. She was also named an honorable mention Scholar All-American by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America.
Erin Mullins was selected as UC Athletics' departmental scholar-athlete of the quarter for spring of 2009.