March 26, 2002

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Six members of the University of North Carolina women's swimming team have earned All-America status for 2001-02 based on their performances at last weekend's NCAA Championships in Austin, Texas. All-Americas are named by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America.

Senior Katie Hathaway won All-America honors for the fourth successive year, making her the 17th UNC women's swimmer in history so honored. Hathaway earned first-team All-America honors this year in the 200-yard breaststroke and she was named honorable mention in the 200-yard individual medley, 100-yard breaststroke and on four relay teams, all except the 400-yard medley relay.

Sophomore Jessi Perruquet was named first-team All-America for the second straight year. She earned first team honors in the 200-yard freestyle and she was honorable mention in the 100-yard freestyle and on five relay teams. Junior Christy Watkins earned honorable mention honors in the 50- and 100-yard freestyles as well as on all five relay teams. It was the third straight year Watkins has been an All-America.

Sophomore Becky Acker earned honorable mention All-America honors in the 200-yard breaststroke for the second straight year. She was also honored for the 400-yard medley relay. Senior Stefanie Rulis has now been an All-America relay swimmer in 1999, 2000 and 2002. This year she was tapped for the 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays. Sophomore Kelly Weeks is a repeat All-America selection from 2001. She was a participant this year on the 200- and 400-yard medley relays and the 800-yard freestyle relay.