McLeod earns SEC post-graduate scholarship

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas senior gymnast Hannah McLeod earned the Southeastern Conference Community Service post-graduate scholarship, it was announced today. McLeod is a member of the inaugural gymnastics team at Arkansas and she and the Lady Razorbacks host the 2006 NCAA South Central Regional in Barnhill Arena Saturday. "This award is a great honor for Hannah," said co-head coach Mark Cook. "Hannah works very hard out of the gym contributing back to the community and it’s great to see her recognized for that commitment. She’s going to medical school after graduating and I know that she has a bright future." The Orlando, Fla., native is a three-time team captain and a three-time National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches for Women academic scholar-athlete. In addition, McLeod is a three-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll, a member of the Women’s Athletics Department Honor roll and a National Merit Scholar. She ahs earned an Honors College Fellowship as well as an Honors College undergraduate research grant. McLeod has also been very active in the Northwest Arkansas community. Some of McLeod’s projects include representing Arkansas at the NCAA Leadership Conference and serving on the Arkansas women’s Athletics student-athlete advisory committee. McLeod has helped needy families in the Adopt-A-Family program, helped underprivileged children through Razorbacks for Christmas and assisted at the Russell Home for Atypical Children. McLeod has helped raise money for Special Olympics and has participated in the American Heart Association Heart Walk. As a member of Arkansas Athletes Outreach, McLeod has spoken at local churches and schools, counseled high school athletes, helped coordinate gymnastics lessons at the Fayetteville Boys and Girls Clubs and the Feed the Families campaign for families in need in Northwest Arkansas. A biology major, McLeod has also volunteered in medical clinics in Honduras and Florida. She will enter medical school in August. McLeod joins University of Kentucky football player Antoine Huffman as the scholarship winners and both receive $5,000 toward post-graduate studies from the SEC. Arkansas is hosting the program’s first post-season event, the 2006 NCAA South Central Regional Championship in Barnhill Saturday at 6:00 p.m. Tickets for the final home meet of the season are still available. Please contact the Lady Razorback Ticket Office at 57-LBACK or log on to LADYBACKS.COM.