University of Georgia Athletics
UGA's Arsenault Named NCAA Top VIII Award Winner
January 07, 2006 | Swimming & Diving
Jan. 7, 2006
ATHENS, Ga. - Former Georgia swimmer Samantha Arsenault will receive the prestigious NCAA Today's Top VIII Award Saturday night in Indianapolis.
"We could not be more proud of Sam," Georgia swimming coach Jack Bauerle said. "She worked so hard to become the consummate student-athlete during her stay at Georgia. She is very talented academically and athletically, but she also put in some good, old-fashioned hard work. I am proud of her for bringing even more honor and glory to Georgia. It means a lot to all of us in the athletic program, and it means even more to Sam. An award like this was part of her goals when we first sat down after she arrived at Georgia."
The NCAA Honors Committee honored eight student-athletes based on their athletic success, academic achievement and community service. The awards will be presented Saturday night at the NCAA Convention in Indianapolis.
Arsenault, a native of Peabody, Mass., capped her collegiate career in style in 2005 by swimming on the 200- and 400-yard medley relay teams that won NCAA titles. In addition, Arsenault co-captained the Lady Bulldogs' squad that won the program's fourth national championship.
Arsenault was a seven-time All-American and she also garnered five Honorable Mention certificates. In addition to the 2005 relays, Arsenault was a member of the 200 freestyle relay team that won the 2002 national crown. Arsenault earned a gold medal as a member of the 800 free relay at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney. She won a gold medal in the 200 free at the 2000 World Cup in Paris.
Arsenault earned a 3.82 grade point average majoring in Science Education. She was a member of the Dean's List and a Presidential Scholar, and she was honored with the Joel Eaves Award for the senior female athlete with the highest grade point average at UGA. She was a Ramsey Scholar (top 10 athletes at UGA ranked by GPA) and was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll and the College Swim Coaches Association All-Academic Team. She earned Postgraduate Scholarships from both the NCAA and the SEC.
| |
