Date: May 16, 2002
Contact: Greg Murphy (540) 463-8674
Release: Upon Receipt

ERIKA PROKO EARNS VERIZON ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT HONORS
Junior Women's Tennis Player Garners Spot On First Team

LEXINGTON, Va. -- Washington and Lee junior women's tennis player Erika Proko (Charlotte, N.C./Providence Day) was one of 12 athletes selected to the 2002 First Team Verizon Women's College Division At-Large Academic All-District III squad on Thursday morning. The team was voted on by members of the Collegiate Sports Information Directors of America. Proko was a second team honoree last season.

Proko earned a spot on the first team after carrying a 3.64 grade point average as a neuroscience major. In addition, Proko has helped lead the Generals to an overall record of 20-2 and the No. 3 ranking in Division III. W&L will face sixth-ranked Pomona Pitzer on Friday afternoon at 1:00 pm in the NCAA Division III Quarterfinals at Sweet Briar College.

Proko has played predominantly at No. 2 singles this season and posted a mark of 17-5 en route to being an All-ODAC selection. Proko, the seventh ranked singles player in Division III, will compete at the NCAA Division III individual championships beginning May 20. Last season, Proko earned All-America status by advancing to the quarterfinals.

In addition, Proko has also teamed with senior Melissa Hatley (Columbia, S.C./Heathwood Hall) to log a record of 24-2 at No. 1 doubles this season. The duo, which earned All-ODAC honors and is ranked third in Division III, will compete in the doubles competition of the NCAA Division III Championships beginning May 20.

The District III team is composed of 20 members from throughout the southeastern United States. With her selection to the All-District Team, Proko is automatically entered into consideration for Academic All-American status.

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