Krissy Hoeferlin receives honor after leading the GymKats over No.9 West Virginia.

University of Kentucky senior gymnast Krissy Hoeferlin was named Southeastern Conference Athlete of the Week in gymnastics for the week of March 5-12, it was announced Tuesday by the league office.

Hoeferlin scored big last weekend, leading the GymKats to a 195.525-194.525 victory over No. 9 West Virginia. Hoeferlin claimed individual all-around honors with a career-high 39.325. Hoeferlin tied a personal best of 9.825 on bars that she set on March 3 and a season-high 9.875 on floor exercise. The team total by the Kats was the best of the season and the third highest in school history.

This is not the first time that the conference office has recognized Hoeferlin. In 1997, she was named SEC Freshman of the Year. Hoeferlin also has been named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll for the past three years.

Hoeferlin and the Kats hope to continue last weekend’s success when they compete in the 2000 SEC Championships in Gainesville, Fla. on Saturday.