Sept. 5, 2002

Former University of Missouri track and cross-country All-American Ann Marie Brooks was named the NCAA Woman of the Year for the state of Missouri. The NCAA Woman of the Year Award honors outstanding female student-athletes who have excelled in academics, athletics and community leadership.

Brooks, a May 2002 summa cum laude plant science graduate, was awarded the Big 12 Post Graduate Scholarship earlier this year. Brooks was a four-time USTCA Academic All-American in indoor and outdoor track. She was also a four-time GTE/Verizon District VII All-Academic first team. Brooks was a 10-time All-Academic first teamer in cross-country and track.

Brooks was the Big 12 Conference champion in the 5,000 meters in 2001 and was part of the indoor distance medley relay team that won the NCAA championship. Brooks was a two-time outdoor track and field All-American. She was Big 12 indoor champion in the 3,000 meters in 2001 and 2002 and the distance medley relay team in 2001. The St. Joseph Mo. native volunteered with a council on aging, was a member of the Mystical Seven Honor Society, and assisted handicapped children and adults ride horses in a therapeutic program.

Last year former Tiger track star Sunny Gilbert was the NCAA Woman of the Year for Missouri and was one of 10 finalists for the NCAA Woman of the Year. This year's finalists will be announced September 16th.