April 20, 2007

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - University of Memphis sophomore golfer Rachel Larson earned academic honors, after being a key player on the course for the Lady Tigers, but also putting forth a stellar performance in the classroom. The sophomore was one of five golfers named to the Conference USA All-Academic team Thursday.

Larson earned her first conference academic honor after being nominated by the university. The Conference USA sports information representatives then had to vote for five golfers out of the conference to receive the honor. Larson is working towards a bachelor's degree in history. She is a three-time member of the Tiger 3.0 Club, was a member of the Tiger Academic 30 for one semester and was a two-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner's honor roll. The sophomore was a member of the dean's list for three semesters and earned a 4.0 one semester.

So far this season, Larson has posted five Top 20 finishes and was named the Conference USA Golfer of the Week on Feb. 14, following her seventh place finish at the Baja Invitational. The Longmont, Colo. native is not the only sophomore on the academic team. SMU's Kate Ackerson and East Carolina's Lene Krog join Larson as sophomores who earned a spot on the team. The other members of the team are Marshall's Allyson Hatcher and Tulsa's Michaela Cavener. The Lady Tigers are on their way to the conference championships, which will take place in Birmingham, Ala. The conference tournament is scheduled for April 23-25 and is hosted by the University of Alabama at Birmingham.