As the first University of Kentucky gymnast to compete at the NCAA Championships since 1998, sophomore Aronda Primault finished in a tie for sixth place on the vault in session two to claim her first career All-America honor on Thursday, April 18 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. With the award, Primault becomes the first UK All-American gymnast since Robin Ewing and Jenny Hansen in 1996.

“I am really excited for Aronda and what she has accomplished this season,” Coach Leah Little said. “She has just had a phenomenal year, never counting a fall. What she has accomplished this season is something she can certainly build on. It also is an experience she can take back to her team to help them next year.”

Primault got the night started on vault and scored a 9.875. Although UCLA’s Jamie Dantzscher scored a 9.950 to finish first in the night session and four others scored a 9.900, the Canton, Ohio, native’s score held on to place her in the top eight in the session. Finishing sixth, she earned second-team All-American status.

“I can’t explain how great an experience this has been,” Primault said. “My goal was to come out here and do the best I can. To be an All-American is more than I could have hoped for. And to have so many of my teammates come out to cheer me on made the night that much more special.”

Despite the excellent start on vault, Primault ended the night taking 18th place in the second session’s all-around competition with a 38.500.

Priamault and the GymKats will now look forward to the 2003 season which kicks off with the annual Excite Nite extravaganza in early January.