UAA gymnasts post nation's 2nd-best GPA in 2021-22

by UAA Athletics  |   

ITHACA, N.Y. (Aug. 10) – Led by nine 4.0s, the Alaska Anchorage gymnastics team produced the second-highest team grade-point average among the nation’s 81 college programs in 2021-22, as the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association announced its annual WCGA Scholastic All-America awards Wednesday.

UAA’s 3.866 combined GPA was just a fraction behind team academic champion Texas Woman’s (3.877), while edging Boise State (3.841) for third. The 3.866 represents a team record and the eighth-best mark for any program since 2015.

Leading the way with 4.0s for the academic year were junior Rachel Decious (management and marketing), freshman Montana Fairbairn (kinesiology), freshman Brooklyn Kopsack (kinesiology), freshman Alyssa Manley (social work), freshman Allie McClure(nursing), freshman Maylen Pulliam (business management), senior Kylie Reese (economics), sophomore Mackenzie Robinson(psychology) and freshman Emily Walker (kinesiology).

Also honored for their plus-3.50 GPAs were freshmen Jessica Johnson (3.93, health sciences), Shannon Farrell (3.87, psychology), Hayley Perkins (3.77, psychology), Marcela Bonifasi (3.76, health sciences) and Silje Hildebrand (3.52, dietetics).

“I am incredibly proud of our student-athletes,” said UAA head coach Marie-Sophie Boggasch. “It brings tears to my eyes to think about what we have achieved over the last couple of years – from fundraising and permanently reinstating our team to displaying athletic and academic excellence every day. Finishing second in the nation, the highest academic ranking in school history, and earning this recognition shows how committed, driven and success-oriented our UAA gymnasts are. They are amazing role models and ambassadors for the University of Alaska Anchorage and I am honored to work with such strong young women.”

Overall, UAA qualified 93 percent (14 of 15) of its squad members, which ranked sixth-best nationally.

To qualify for WGCA Scholastic All-America Team, student-athletes must carry a 3.5-plus overall grade point average.

UAA also continued a 13-year run of top-half finishes.

2022 WCGA Academic Top 10
1. Texas Woman’s – 3.8774
2. Alaska Anchorage – 3.8660
3. Boise State – 3.8411
4. Southern Utah – 3.7843
5. West Chester – 3.7779
6. Ohio State – 3.7600
7. Southeast Missouri – 3.7582
8. Northern Illinois – 3.7527
9. Eastern Michigan – 3.7380
10. Western Michigan – 3.7258

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