July 26, 2012

NEW ORLEANS -- The Stanford women were named the Scholar Teams of the Year for outdoor track and field by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

The squads earned the distinction as a result of being the highest-placing teams with at least a 3.00-cumulative GPA at the most recent NCAA indoor and outdoor championship, respectively. In addition, the USTFCCCA announced 171 teams as All-Academic teams for the track & field seasons.

"We are extremely proud of women's team," said assistant coach PattiSue Plumer. "We are thrilled to be recognized on a national level for both athletics and academics."

The Cardinal placed sixth at the NCAA Outdoor Championships as a team with 25 points. The squad carded a cumulative team GPA of 3.26 through the 2012 spring semester.

Stanford boasted 11 individuals on the All-Academic list: Emilie Amaro, Mary Kate Anselmini, Aisling Cuffe, Justine Fedronic, Arantxa King, Kathy Kroeger, Jordan Merback, Joy O'Hare, Kellie Schueler, Katerina Stefanidi, and Alyssa Wisdom.

At the outdoor championships, Stefanidi won the NCAA title in the pole vault, tying a meet record 4.45/14-7¼. Kroeger placed seventh in the 5000 meters.

In addition to the women, the men were recognized an All-Academic status team for the 2012 season. Stanford was one of 85 teams to earn the distinction as Florida was named the Scholar Team of the Year.