December 04, 2003
Texas A&M libero/defensive specialist Rebecca Wynalda has been named to the 2003 Academic All-American volleyball third team, the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) announced today.
Wynalda, a senior from Kennedale, Texas, is a member of the Professional Program in Accounting and has maintained a perfect 4.0 grade-point average while concurrently pursuing both a bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's degree in finance. Wynalda, who earlier this season was named to both the CoSIDA Academic All-District VI team and the Academic All-Big 12 team for the second consecutive year, is slated to complete both degrees in August.
On the court, Wynalda is averaging 1.92 digs per game for the 24th -ranked Aggies. She has reached double figures in digs in five matches this season, including a season-high 17 digs in a five-game victory over Southwest Missouri State.
To be eligible for academic all-America honors, student-athletes must be a starter or key reserve, have at least a 3.20 cumulative grade-point average and have achieved at least sophomore status. In addition, they must have been a first-team academic all-district selection by the CoSIDA members in their district.
Wynalda was one of only two players on the entire 21-member all-America team representing District VI, which encompasses the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Catherine DuPont of Rice joined Wynalda on the third team.
The Big 12 Conference is represented by three student-athletes - including Wynalda- who were named to one of the three volleyball academic teams. Cari Jensen of Kansas State was named to the six-member first team, and Nebraska's Anna Schrad was selected to the six-member second team.
Wynalda and the Aggies (21-9) return to action when they begin postseason play Friday. A&M hosts Nicholls State in the first round of the NCAA tournament, and first serve is slated for 7 p.m. at G. Rollie White Coliseum.