Aug. 21, 2002

For the third year running, eight gymnasts from the University of Kentucky have earned recognition from the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women as Academic All-Americans. The eight honorees match Kentucky’s largest group of NACGC/W Academic All-Americans, a mark earned by student-athletes who earn at least a 3.5 grade-point average, but reach unprecedented territory due to the fact that four GymKats earned a 4.0 during the 2001-2002 academic year.

Karla Adelt, Jessie Lemp, Kara Prestigiacomo, Krista Prestigiacomo, Mindy Smith, Nicole Allen, Katie Toups and Melissa Tucker were each honored for their academic achievements. Lemp and Toups, seniors in 2002, both end their UK careers having earned this distinction for four straight years – a feat only achieved once before in Kentucky gymnastics history. Allen, Adelt and Smith become three-time honorees, while the remaining GymKats are being recognized for the first time.

“This is just an incredible accomplishment,” Coach Leah Little said. “To have half of our team named Academic All-Americans. They exemplify the true meaning of the ‘student-athlete’. I am extremely proud of our kids for this achievement.”

In the past four years, the GymKats have earned an impressive 28 Academic All-America selections. Since 1989, 42 different GymKats have earned a place on the prestigious list.