Dec. 2, 2004

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Heather Watts added to her list of honors on Thursday, when ESPN The Magazine announced its Academic All-America selections. Watts, who earned First Team District IV honors last month, earned ESPN The Magazine Second Team Academic All-America honors. Watts earned Third Team honors last year.

For the second consecutive season, Watts reset the Memphis and Conference USA single season assists record, posting 1,830 assists this season. She earned C-USA Setter of the Year honors and helped the Tigers to its second straight 25-win season.

"Heather is an extraordinary young lady both on the court and off," Tiger Head Coach Carrie Yerty said. "She puts her personal stamp on everything that she does. She is one of those unique athletes that you get once in your career that exceeds your expectations. Heather is deserving of every award she has ever received and it is my pleasure to have coached her, mentored her and worked with her."

A native of Sandy, Utah, Watts was one of two C-USA players to earn Academic All-America honors as Cincinnati's Julie DuPont, the 2003 and 2004 C-USA Player of the Year, earned First Team recognition.

Watts, who has been named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District IV First Team for the past three seasons, maintained a 3.88 G.P.A. and graduated Summa Cum Laude in August, with her undergraduate degree in Exercise Sports and Science.

The Tigers finished the season 27-10 after a strong run in the 2004 ChevronTexaco Conference USA Tournament. Watts was named to the All-tournament team at the tournament's conclusion.