Dec. 13, 2001

LEXINGTON, Ky. – University of Kentucky volleyball senior April Barnhorst has been named to the Verizon Academic All-America second team, it was announced Thursday by Verizon and the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Barnhorst, a Greenwood, Ind., native, earned the honor after being named first-team All-District by Verizon last month. She will graduate next week from UK, a semester ahead of schedule, with a degree in marketing. Her perfect 4.0 GPA has earned her several awards, including being named Academic All-Southeastern Conference three times, and to the Athletics Director’s Honor Roll and Dean’s List every semester.

Barnhorst showed her leadership on the court as well during her four-year career at UK, leading UK to a turnaround season in 2001. The middle blocker started every match this season, finishing with a .246 hitting percentage and 107 blocks, including 28 solos, all team highs. She went in to the UK record books for career block assists, finishing with 255 for eighth place. Her on-court success earned her second-team All-SEC honors last month.

“I believe this prestigious Verizon Academic All-American award is a continued tribute to April’s pursuit of excellence in the classroom and on the court,” Coach Jona Braden said. “I am very proud of April in all that she has achieved and given while representing the University of Kentucky. April’s career is a true reflection of what the collegiate athletics experience is truly all about.”

Upon graduation, Barnhorst plans to attend law school.