June 17, 2005

TEMPE, Ariz. - Seven members of the Arizona State University water polo program were selected to the 2004-05 National All-Academic teams the American Water Polo Coaches Association announced Thursday. Of the seven selected, four are making their debuts on the academic lists while the remaining three selections have combined for eight honors over the past three seasons.

Along with the seven individuals honored, the team also received recognition as its cumulative average met the qualification standards set by the Association. Overall, the Sun Devil squad built a 3.09 grade point average to become one of 28 teams among all three divisions to post a 3.00 or higher.

Individually, freshman goalie Caylinn Wallace earned her first award as her 3.78 GPA placed her among the Outstanding Team which is comprised of those players attaining an average of 3.71 to 4.00. Wallace adds to her stellar season that saw her earn a place on the MPSF All-Freshman Team earlier this season.

The trio of honorees in the Superior Team have all earned academic honors in the past with two of the players garnering their third national academic award each. Juniors Tessa Wyborny and Adriane Mota each held GPAs between 3.70 and 3.41 to tie Lauren Jacobson (2002-2004) for the program record for most times selected to the AWPCA academic teams. Wyborny was selected to the Superior Team for the third year in a row as she carried a 3.66 average this season while Mota, an Excellent Team selection each of the past two seasons, moved up to the Superior Team in 2005 with her 3.48 average.

The final member of the team to earn Superior honors is Ashley Bower, who picked up her second academic award with a 3.64 average this season. The Excellent Team, which is comprised of players carrying a 3.20 to 3.40 average, has three Sun Devils earning their first honors, including Elaine Bentley, Katie Hedley and Holly Newman.