Nov. 8, 2007

COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Big 12 Conference named University of Missouri junior Kendra Melnychuk the conference's Women's Diver of the Week for the second consecutive time this season on Thursday. This is the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan native's fourth career time receiving the award. In addition to her selection as diver of the week for meets Oct. 12-21 earlier this season, she received the award for meets Nov. 27-Dec. 10 and Jan. 22-Feb. 4 in 2006-07.

"Kendra's award goes to show what can happen when an athlete begins training the week after NCAAs for the next year's championships," said Missouri Head Diving Coach Jamie Sweeney. "Kendra has made a year-round commitment to the sport. She trains hard all year, including the summer months. I could not be more proud of her."

Melnychuk recorded a hat trick of wins on both the 1- and 3-meter boards during this past weekend's Mizzou Dual Challenge. She now boasts 11 victories on the young season, including four on the one-meter board and seven in three-meter diving competition. The junior is also undefeated in 2007-08 on the 3-meter board.

The Canadian sensation and her fellow Tigers will be back in action Nov. 16-18 when they travel to West Lafayette, Ind., for the Purdue Invitational.