Diebold earns Academic All-America

FAYETTEVILLE – Tara Diebold has been named to the 2011 Capital One Academic All-America University Division Women’s Track and Field/Cross Country First Team. Diebold is a two-time All-American in the pole vault for the Razorbacks and maintains a 4.0 cumulative GPA as a communication disordersmajor. This marks the second Academic All-America recognition for Diebold who was also honored in 2009 for her work in the classroom.

During the 2011 season, Diebold was a national qualifier for the indoor and outdoor NCAA Championships. She earned the second All-America honor of her career with a sixth-place finish at the national indoor meet in March in College Station, Texas. Diebold established both her indoor and outdoor personal bests during the 2011 season at 14-1.25 (4.30m) and 13-9.25 (4.20m), respectively.

To earn Academic All-America honors, Diebold was first selected to the all-district first team, also the second such distinction of her career. During her time at the University of Arkansas, Diebold has twice been named a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and was placed on the SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll in 2008. Diebold was named second team Academic All-America in 2009.

This marks the third consecutive season the Razorback women have had an Academic All-American and 10th time someone on the team has gained first-team honors. Overall, the team has earned 26 Academic All-America accolades spread among 17 student-athletes. Diebold is now the eighth multiple honoree.

The 15 members of the Capital One Academic All-America Women’s Track and Field/Cross Country University Division first team have an average 3.89 GPA. Seven of the first-team selections, including Diebold, have a perfect 4.0 GPA.

To be eligible for Academic All-America consideration, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3 on a scale of 4.0 and have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at her current institution.

Arkansas’ Academic All-Americans (multiple winners)Tara Diebold, pole vault (2009, 2011)Katie Stripling, pole vault (2009, 2010)Maureen Scott, steeplechase (2004, 2005)Jessica Johnson, high jump (2003, 2004)Andreina Byrd, distance (2002, 2003)Jessica Dailey, distance (1998, 1999, 2000)Megan Flowers, distance (1994, 1997)Kim Mount, distance (1992, 1993)