SPRINGFIELD - Ten Bears have been named to the 2009 Gladiator by SGI/NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad, marking the highest total since 2005 and the eighth straight year more than six field hockey athletes have received the distinction.
"We are extremely proud of our young ladies and their work ethic on and off the field," head coach Dawn Callahan said. "It is a great honor for them. They work hard all year long and it is nice for them to be rewarded with national recognition."
The individuals were named to the team for earning a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher through the fall semester of the 2009-10 academic year.
Callahan's squad was also honored with the 2009 Gladiator by SGI/NFHCA Division I National Academic Team Award, which is given to institutions that achieve a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher during the first semester of 2009-10 academic year. The Bears boast a 3.10 cumulative team GPA.
Those named to the academic squad, listed with majors and cumulative GPAs are:
- Steph Anderson (Fr., GK, Pittsburgh, Pa.) Undecided, 3.93
- Katherine Aslin (Sr., F, Wildwood, Mo.) Criminology, 4.00
- Jenna Compton (So., D, Glencarbon, Ill.) Dietetics, 3.97
- Kelly Irwin (Jr., F, Bexley, Ohio) Psychology, 3.69
- Melissa Lantz (Sr., F, Wildwood, Mo.) Physical Education, 4.00
- Kelsey Lomax (So., D, O'Fallon, Mo.) Dietetics, 3.35
- Ramie Masters (So., MF, Huntington Beach, Calif.) Communication Sciences and Disorders, 3.96
- Chelsey Medlock (Fr., D, St. Louis, Mo.) Undecided, 3.80
- Lori Sinclair (So., D, St. Louis, Mo.) Dietetics, 3.37
- Taylor Stellern (So., D, Wildwood, Mo.) Undecided, 3.58
Irwin makes the team for the third straight year, while Aslin, Compton and Masters make their second-straight appearances.
The Bears are currently competing in their spring exhibition season and will next travel to Louisville, Ky., for the Louisville Tournament on April 10.
