Feb. 13, 2007

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Missouri senior gymnast Amanda Pezzullo has received the NCAA Ethnic Minority and Women's Enhancement Postgraduate Scholarship for Careers in Athletics, announced the NCAA on Tuesday. She is one of 26 nation-wide winners who earned the $6,000 nonrenewable scholarship.

The Ethnic Minority and Women's Enhancement Postgraduate Scholarship for Careers in Athletics programs were developed by the NCA Committee on Women's Athletics and the NCAA Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee.

The NCAA awards 13 scholarships to ethnic minorities and 13 scholarships to female college graduates who will be entering their initial year of postgraduate studies. The applicant must be seeking admission or have been accepted into a sports administration or related program that will help the applicant obtain a career in intercollegiate athletics, such as athletics administrator, coach, athletic trainer or other career that provides a direct service to intercollegiate athletics.

A native of Wheaton, Ill., Pezzullo is a three-event competitor for the No. 20 Mizzou gymnastics squad. She currently ranks 40th in the nation on the floor exercise and is sixth on floor, 16th on vault and 22nd on the balance beam in the South Central Region. Additionally, Pezzullo is a two-time National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women Scholar Athlete and Academic All-Big 12 Conference first team honoree.

Pezzullo, who will graduate in May with a degree in nutrition and fitness, will pursue a career as a strength and conditioning coach.