Ashley O'Neal

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Alabama Gymnast Ashley O'Neal has been named a 2008 Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar by "Diverse Issues in Higher Education" magazine.

"Diverse Issues in Higher Education" established the Ashe Awards to honor undergraduate students of color who have made achieving both academically and athletically a winning combination. To be included, students have to compete in an intercollegiate sport; maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2; and be active on their campuses or in their communities.

"This award encompasses everything our program strives for - success in the classroom and the gym as well as being active and positive members of the community," Alabama head coach Sarah Patterson said. "I am very proud of Ashley and what she has accomplished through hard work and determination. She is certainly very deserving of this honor."

During the first three years of her Crimson Tide career, O'Neal has been a mainstay on the balance beam and floor exercise as well as a standout student, twice earning Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll honors and earning a perfect 4.0 grade point average last fall. After her sophomore year, the Kennesaw, Ga. native was honored by her teammates with the Lewis Each Courage Award.

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