Aug. 11, 2009

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - The Maryland gymnastics team continued its academic success recently, as six Terps were named to the NCAA's Scholastic All-American team. In order to earn this award, which is given by the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women (NACGC/W), student-athletes must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or better throughout the academic year. Two current juniors, two current seniors and two former Terps were named to the All-Academic team for the 2008-09 academic year.

Junior Lisa Reifschneider earned a spot as a Kinesiology Science major, and carried the highest GPA on the team. She was sidelined with an injury for the season, but competed in the uneven bars and floor exercise in 2007-08.

Kaitlyn Joseph, a junior Civil Engineering major, was named to the team for her efforts in the classroom while still competing in vault, bars and floor exercise. She won the team's Positive Mental Attitude award for the season for her optimistic characteristics in the gym.

Senior Allison Dama was awarded the honor as a Psychology major. She was sidelined with an illness for most of the 2008-09 season. In the 2007-08 season, she was named to the All-EAGL First Team on the uneven bars.

Brandi George, a senior Kinesiology Science major, was awarded this academic honor while also earning many accolades on the gymnastics floor. She served as team co-captain and was named co-MVP for the 2008-2009 season. She earned EAGL First Team honors for the uneven bars, balance beam, and the all-around. She earned All-EAGL Second Team honors for floor exercise.

Recent Terp graduates Kimberley Loew and Kelsey Nelligan both earned the honor over their senior seasons in 2008-09. Loew earned a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. She was on medical scholarship during part of her time as a Terrapin, but her career was highlighted by a strong balance beam performance at the 2007 EAGL championships. Nelligan served as co-captain for the 2008-09 season.

- Go Terps -