Feb. 15, 2000

A total of seven women have been named to the swimming and diving Academic All-Big 12 first team by the conference office today. Missouri's seven honorees ties them with Texas A &M for the third-most first team representatives. A total of 54 swimmers and divers earned academic all-league honors.

Of the Mizzou athletes selected, Julia Alexander was named to the all-conference team for the fourth consecutive time. On the squad there are 39 repeat performers from the previous academic all-league teams including six of MU's seven honorees.

To qualify student-athletes must maintain a 3.0 grape point average or higher either cumulative of the two previous semesters and must have participated in 60 percent of her team's scheduled contests. Freshman and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic interest. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are eligible.

The seven women named to the Academic All-Conference first team are: Julia Alexander, Columbia, Mo., a senior majoring in Physical Therapy, Kim Lambert, Wildwood, Mo., a junior majoring in communications, Tawney Larm, West Chicago, Ill., a senior majoring in nursing, Whitney Nigh, Castle Rock, Colo., a senior majoring in business, Cristina Souza, Vila Vehla e. Santo, Brazil, a senior majoring in international business, Molly Vetter, Normal, Ill., a sophomore majoring in nutrition and Kristin Ziemke, Lockport, Ill., a senior majoring in education.

The women are currently down in College Station, Texas preparing for the fourth annual Big 12 swimming and diving Championships that will take place Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 17-19.