Auburn Gymnastics Wraps up Season with Year End Banquet - AuburnTigers.com

Auburn Gymnastics Wraps up Season with Year End Banquet Tigers hand out six awards to conclude season

Kylie Shields Wins MVP

May 3, 2011

AUBURN - Junior Kylie Shields was named MVP as the Auburn gymnastics team held its final team event of the season Saturday. The team hosted the annual year end banquet where six awards were presented.

"We had a wonderful banquet where we were able to recognize many of the great accomplishments both athletically and academically of members on our team," head coach Jeff Graba said. "It was a fantastic way to wrap up a tremendously fulfilling season. I am so proud of this team, and I can't wait for next year to begin."

Shields received the "MVP" award for showing perseverance throughout the season while battling a foot injury. After only competing in three all-around competitions, she qualified for NCAA Nationals as an individual all-arounder.

The night began as the 2010 Academic All-Americans and the SEC Academic Honor Roll were announced. The Academic All-American list consisted of juniors Laura Lane, Kylie Shields, Kendall Swartz, senior Leah Vining, former gymnast Kristina Voss and sophomore Petrina Yokay. To be considered as an Academic All-American, a student-athlete must have a 3.3 cumulative GPA or better.

The SEC Academic Honor Roll consisted of the All-American list as well as the senior Lauren Brzostowski and former gymnast Kelsie Montgomery. A student-athlete must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA or better or 3.0 GPA for the year to make the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

Lane was recognized again for the Student Athlete of the Year award. She received this award for being one of the most dedicated and hardworking athletes on the team with a 3.96 cumulative GPA in Applied Mathematics as well as making the Auburn floor line up in every competition this season. Lane also received the SEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year as voted on by the SEC coaches.

Sophomore Toi Garcia was presented the "Most Improved" award, after showing the most overall improvement in every competitive aspect. She was out with an injury for two months during preseason and ended up competing in the all-around in 2011 after only competing two events for the Tigers in 2010.

Senior Rachel Inniss was presented the Sarah Wentworth Award for best exemplifying the Auburn Creed.

Team manager Elizabeth Hammer was awarded the Bob Ritenbaugh Service Award, which is given to an individual who goes above and beyond the gym and the university to reach out to the community.

The night concluded with seniors Katie Hurley, Brzostowski and Inniss being honored.