Simpson Earns AAI American Award

Auburn, Ala. ? Senior Richelle Simpson capped a memorable Husker women's gymnastics career by being presented the AAI American Award at the NCAA Championship brunch on Saturday morning. The honor is annually given to the nation’s top gymnast on the basis of athleticism, academic excellence and civic responsibility.

 

A nine-time All-American at Nebraska, Simpson was also the 2003 NCAA all-around and floor exercise champion. After being granted a medical hardship year in 2004 by the NCAA, Simpson returned with a vengeance in 2005, leading NU to a first-ever No. 1 ranking after the Masters Classic on Feb. 27. The Toronto, Ontario, native provided an unmatched spark in Nebraska’s run to the NCAA Super Six finals this season, as the Huskers achieved a record of 21-14 and reclaimed the Big 12 Conference championship. Simpson, the 2005 South Central Regional Co-Gymnast of the Year, won five all-around titles in 2005, as well as six individual titles on vault, six on floor, five on beam and one on the uneven bars.

 

“Richelle is the first American Award winner we’ve had at Nebraska,” Head Coach Dan Kendig said. “It’s so well deserved. Even though she didn’t compete this weekend, people know what she has meant to our program and to collegiate gymnastics. This is an amazing honor, and I’m proud to have been her coach and friend over these years.”

 

Equally as impressive as her athletic accomplishments are Simpson’s academic successes. A French and international studies major, she carries better than a 3.8 grade-point average and is scheduled to graduate this May from Nebraska. Simpson is a two-time academic All-Big 12 honoree, as well as a three-time NACGC Scholastic All-American.

 

“We are so proud of what Richelle has done for our team and our program, as well as what she’s given not only to the University of Nebraska, but to the Lincoln community, too. She is an incredible student, athlete and person and is humble through all her achievements. Richelle is everything we look for in a student-athlete, and this award is the perfect way to cap her career as a Husker.”