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Abaray is one of four student-athletes to win the award in its four year history

Gymnast Julie Abaray Honored with Mizzou '39 Award

Tigers senior honored as one of 39

Jan. 23, 2008

Columbia, Mo. - Tiger senior Julie Abaray (Cincinnati, Ohio) has been honored by the Mizzou Alumni Association as a recipient of the 2008 Mizzou '39 Award, an award given to 39 seniors at the University of Missouri based of their outstanding service, academic achievement and leadership. Abaray is one of two student athletes to earn the award this year. In all four athletes have won the award, Brian Unger of the Men's Golf team and Meggie Malm of the soccer team won last year, while Abaray, along with women's swimmer Arica Jacinto are among the recipients this year.

"It is another great honor that shows the state of this program," head coach Rob Drass said. "We have had a Big 12 Sportsperson of the Year in Jodie Heinecka, and now we have a Mizzou '39 recipient. It is a pleasure to coach those kinds of athletes who have not only given to the program, but have given to the community and classroom as well."

"We are trying to teach life skills here," Drass said. "It seems like our girls are really starting to grasp that."

The award, now in its fourth year, is named after the year that the University was founded, 1839. According to the alumni association, the award recognizes the students that represent the ideals that the University of Missouri was founded on back in 1839.

"It's an incredible honor to receive this award during my senior year at Mizzou," Abaray said. "Ever since I have been at Mizzou, I have tried to make academics, athletics, leadership, involvement and community service my top priorities, and it is great to be recognized."

Along with her contributions to the gymnastics team, Abaray has been a quality member of the Mizzou community. Named as the Varsity M Association's Female Student-Athlete of the Year in 2005-06, Abaray has exemplified what it means to be a student athlete. Abaray has earned the National Association of Collegiate Gymnastics Coaches/Women (NACGC/W) Scholar Athlete Award in each of the last three seasons, and is well on her way to her fourth.

A journalism major, Abaray has also been named to the Academic All-Big 12 team in 2006 and 2007. As a student in the journalism school, Abaray has been a student reporter with KOMU-TV 8, Columbia's NBC affiliate as a reporter.

As a valued member of the community, Abaray has helped everywhere she could during her time at Mizzou. From reading in local classrooms, to donating her time to helping children in the community, Abaray has set a great example of leadership for younger gymnasts on the team. Abaray also serves as a member of the Student Athletic Board to help ensure that the athletic programs are headed in the right direction.

Each recipient will be honored at half time of the Missouri Men's basketball game against Texas A&M on Feb. 9, and will be honored at a reception and at a banquet in February. For more on the Mizzou '39 Award, visit the Missouri Alumni Associations website at, www.mizzou.com.

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