SPRINGFIELD -- Sophomore Terry Phillips has been named to the 2009-10 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America® Women's Track and Field and Cross Country Second Team, as chosen by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
The Kansas City, Mo., native advanced to the national ballot after earning­­ ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District VII First Team honors announced June 4th.
Phillips flourished in all seasons for the Bears, becoming the MVC champion in both cross country and the indoor 3,000-meter run. Phillips' 9:35.40 time to win the 3,000-meter run was a personal best and established her as the event's third all-time performer at MSU. Phillips collected event wins at the Iowa State Classic (3,000m) and the Eastern Illinois University Mega Meet (3,000m and mile) before missing the outdoor season with an injury.
During the cross country season, Phillips was one of the top athletes in the Midwest. After winning the MVC crown, Phillips competed in the NCAA Midwest Regional where she placed 18th in the field of 173, earning her all-Midwest Region distinction.
Phillips was equally successful in the classroom. She was one of ten student-athletes to receive the MVC State Farm Good Neighbor Award (fall season), was named to the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team and was a MVC Scholar-Athlete for the second straight year. Phillips' perfect 4.0 GPA in Chemistry/Biochemistry led the cross country Bears to a 3.81 team GPA, which ranked second in the nation among all cross country programs.
"We are really proud of Terry," head cross country coach Greg Hipp said. " She excelled on the field and in the classroom and her hard work has paid off. We are lucky to have her on our team."
To be eligible for Academic All-America® consideration, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.30 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director.
