April 22, 2003

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- Freshman Rachel Martinez capped off her picture perfect rookie season by being named as an NCAA Championships alternate in the all-around competition. Martinez placed sixth at the Southeast Regional Meet held in Athens, Ga. on Apr. 12 with a score of 38.900.

Martinez has had a successful post season run, coming in first place at the 2003 EAGL Championships, winning the all-around with a score of 39.625. The mark equals the school record, which she shares with former Maryland All-American Gillian Cote. Martinez is the first Terp to win the EAGL all-around title in the eight years of the league's existence, and her score of 39.625 is the best total ever at the league meet.

In winning the all-around crown at the EAGLs, Martinez tied for first on beam (9.925), finished second on floor (9.925), and placed third on vault (9.925).

During the course of regular season, Martinez garnered five first-place regular season finishes and was named EAGL Gymnast for the Week twice. Her season-long performance consistency on the vault and the bars, earned her second team all-conference honors on both those events. Martinez made first team All-EAGL on the floor, where she boasts a season high of 9.95.