Aug. 20, 2009

The U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association announced the recipients of the 2009 Division I All-Academic honorees with the women's track and field program named to the 2009 Division I All-Academic Team and Stephanie Perez named an All-Academic scholar.

"This achievement bestowed upon the women's team is a testament of what we are trying to accomplish here at UTPA," said head men and women's track and field coach Dave Hartman. "We want our student-athletes to be serious and as driven in their pursuits of attaining a degree as they are performing on the track. I feel we have the ability to earn this award every year."

The women's track and field program concluded the 2008-09 academic campaign with a 3.087 grade point average. The women had three Lady Broncs earn Dean's List First Honors and two earn Dean's List Second Honors.

Along with the women's team earning the All-Academic Team award, former Lady Bronc Stephanie Perez also was named an All-Academic for her efforts in the classroom.

"Stephanie truly had an amazing career here at UTPA both on the track and in the classroom. She epitomizes what we are looking for in our student-athletes," said Hartman. "I am extremely proud of her for attaining this accolade."

Perez concluded her final season donning the Bronc green and orange with a 3.67 GPA in criminal justice. Perez also was an NCAA Regional qualifier this past season in the discus.

Selection to the All-Academic Team and individual honors were based on a combination of academic and athletic achievements. To be nominated, a team must maintain a 3.0 grade point average, while in the individual honors; the student-athlete must maintain a 3.250 grade point average and meet a regional mark.

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