The Illinois State womens gymnastics team has posted the fourth best grade point average in NCAA Division I gymnastics, according to the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics/Women.
The team posted a grade point average of 3.54 for the 2000-2001 scholatics year with 10 of the14 team members earning Scholastic All American status. The team holds the highest team grade point average at ISU and broke the record first semester with a team grade point average of 3.58.
The team recorded success in the gym, as well as in the classroom. This squad holds a post-season NCAA ranking of 30 after its performance at the NCAA Division I Regionals.
Jill Hollembeak, the coach of the 2000-2001 team, gives credit to the team for keeping their priorities in order.
Gymnastics is a sport they can never play again, therefore they know academics is what will make them successful in the future, said Hollembeak, now a member of the Redbird Athletics Academic Support Staff. They decided to be great in every area. They made that decision on their own.
Beth Larson, a former Redbird gymnast and the new gymnastics head coach, looks forward to carrying on the success left behind by her mentor.
Academics is the no. 1 priority, said Larson. These girls are gifted student-athletes who strive for excellance both academically and athletically, and it shows.
Larson looks forward to getting acquainted with her team, with 13 returning gymnasts, when open gym starts next week.
National Association of Collegiate
Gymnastics Coaches/Women
TEAM GPA
1. Southern Utah University 3.7244
2. University of Utah 3.6292
3. Eastern Michigan University 3.6014
4. Illinois State University 3.5400
5. University of Alabama 3.5211
6. Kent State University 3.5110
7. Brown University 3.5082
8. Yale University 3.4831
9. University of Florida 3.4500
10. University of Illinois-Chicago 3.4414
Illinois State
Scholastic All Americans
Lisa Klein
Lindsay Klinefelter
Dana Luther
Rena Fox
Megan Hara
Kristy Kreinbrink
Heather Mohler
Annie Chapman
Kerry Tierney
Marisa Niekamp
