June 16, 2005

University of Dayton Rowing standout Katie Lesko (Dayton, OH/Chaminade-Julienne) was named ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America At-Large First Team upon the list's release today, adding to her impressive resume as a student-athlete.

Lesko, a senior, maintained a cumulative 4.00 GPA during her career at UD while double majoring in Spanish and biology. Lesko was recognized for academic excellence earlier this year by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association as one of 142 National Scholar-Athletes. CoSIDA and ESPN The Magazine named her to the Academic All-District IV At-Large First Team. She was also named Atlantic 10 All-Academic for the second consecutive year in 2005 and was given the team's award for Outstanding Varsity Rower.

Earlier this week Lesko earned the title of UD's NCAA Woman of the Year for her outstanding career academic and athletic achievements.

Lesko was a mainstay in the Varsity 8 boat which finished second in the semifinal round in the 67th annual Dad Vail Regatta to place ninth overall, only 1.49 seconds shy of making the championship race. She also helped her team finish 11th out of 50 boats at the 40th annual Head of Charles regatta.

To be eligible for Academic All-American, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director.