April 25, 2008

Chapel Hill, N.C. ----- The University of North Carolina gymnastics team held its annual awards dinner on Wednesday, April 23. Sophomore Christine Nguyen was named the team's most outstanding gymnast. Nguyen, who earlier was selected as the East Atlantic Gymnastics League (EAGL) Gymnast of the Year, also earned the coaches award for vault.

Senior Shawna Kelly was named the Gilbert award winner for outstanding leadership qualities. Senior Angela Lauten earned the Kaiser Award for outstanding commitment to the pursuit of team and individual excellence. Senior Sarrie Rubin captured the Cunningham Award for inspiring courage and perseverance in facing adversity. Senior Alice Xu was named the Athletic Director's Scholar Award winner.

Team Athletic Awards
1. Coaches Award on Vault: Jennifer Valby & Christine Nguyen
2. Coaches Award on Uneven Bars: Rachel Schneider & Karli Jones
3. Coaches Award on Balance Beam: Tina Jacob & Kara Wright
4. Coaches Award on Floor Exercise: Sarrie Rubin
5. Most Improved Gymnast: Tina Jacob
6. Most Outstanding Gymnast: Christine Nguyen

Team Leadership & Inspirational Awards
1. Gilbert Award: Shawna Kelly (Acknowledging Outstanding Leadership Qualities)
2. Kaiser Award: Angela Lauten (Acknowledging Outstanding Commitment To The Pursuit of Team & Individual Excellence)
3. Cunningham Award: Sarrie Rubin (Acknowledging Inspiring Courage and Perseverance in Facing Adversity)
4. Tonietto Award: Angela Lauten (Acknowledging Gymnastics Performances of Exceptional Aesthetic Quality)
5. Sunshine Award: Teri Diamond & Krista Jasper (For The Joy They Bring To The Team Experience Through Their Smiles & Playful Personalities)
6. Athletic Director's Scholar Athlete Award: Alice Xu