Cat Central

Semansky named Academic All-American

Posted: Feb 26, 2013 4:40 PM by MTN Sports
Updated: Feb 26, 2013 5:49 PM

Montana State women's basketball standout Rachel Semansky became just the seventh Bobcat in history to garner at least two Academic All-America accolades during her tenure at MSU.

Last Thursday, the Highwood native was named to the 2012-13 Capital One Academic All-America Third Team as voted by the College Sports Information Directors of America. The award is the highest academic achievement given to a NCAA student-athlete.

Semansky, who sports a 3.96 grade-point average in elementary education, was one of 15 women's basketball players named to the first, second or third teams. She is the only Big Sky Conference women's basketball player to capture the honor. Last winter, Semansky was named to the Capital One Academic All-America Second-Team.

"Rachel personifies excellence in everything she does," said MSU women's basketball coach Tricia Binford. "She takes pride on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. And, she's a great kid. Rachel has a tremendous work ethic and great habits."

On the court, Semansky is averaging 13.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. In addition, she is ranked fifth in the nation shooting 58 percent from the field.

The last Bobcat to earn back-to-back Academic All-America recognition was Elisabeth Driscoll, track and field, 2008 and 2009. MSU's other multiple Academic All-America honorees include Anders Larsson, football, Ryan Johnson, football, Jon Montoya, football, Marek Gebicki, tennis, and Christy Otte, track and field.

Delaware's Elena Delle Donne earned Academic All-America Player of the Year honors for the second consecutive season.