Sept. 5, 2000

The University of North Carolina has again been recognized by Sports Illustrated for Women magazine as one of the nation's Top Colleges for Women Athletes. UNC is ranked fourth in this year's poll, which is the same position Carolina held in 1999. For the second year, Stanford heads the poll, followed by Florida, Texas and UNC. Rounding out the top 10 are UCLA, Georgia, Arizona, Penn State, Princeton and Maryland.

"We're certainly pleased that our women's sports programs have again been recognized as among the best in the country," said Dr. Beth Miller, senior associate athletic director and UNC's senior women's administrator. "Of couse we'd like to be No. 1, but I think this ranking is a great testament to the type of experience we try to provide for our female student-athletes. This honor is a credit to the University and I'm very proud of our women's sports coaches and student-athletes for the positive way they represent UNC."

In determining the rankings, the magazine's editors considered factors like national titles, Sears Directors' Cup points, graduation rates, financial aid, fan support and traditions.

SIW also ranks North Carolina near the top of its polls for soccer and field hockey. The defending NCAA champion Tar Heels are picked first in the SIW soccer poll, while the four-time NCAA champion field hockey team is picked fourth.

The issue, which features UNC's alum Marion Jones on the cover, will be on newsstands beginning Sept. 7.