April 17, 2006

Loudonville, NY --Siena College president Fr. Kevin E. Mackin O.F.M. recently held a luncheon honoring those student athletes who received a 4.0 GPA within the last two semesters. A total of 15 student athletes were inducted into the 4.0 Club, an initiative the department plans to continue in ensuing years.

"The newly established 4.0 club is our way of honoring those who define the epitome of a Siena student-athlete, one committed and dedicated to both academic and athletic excellence at the highest level," athletic academic advisor Sue Yund said. "These student athletes deserve to be recognized, and should be very proud of this prestigious honor. This is also a testament to the Siena coaching staff which instills confidence, and provides athletes with the tools needed to achieve excellence both during competition and in the classroom."

The 15 members of the 2006 4.0 Club are: Kerry Barba (cross country), Patricia Carroll (soccer), Jessica Ferrara (tennis), Tara Heffernan (cross country), Elizabeth Hubbard (volleyball) Andrew Knipfing (cross County) April London (volleyball), Angela Marciano (cross country),Anne Redcross (cross country), Anna Revette (soccer), Jennifer Stacey (cross country), Lauren Surber (basketball), Erin DeMatteo (soccer), Leah Serbalik (swimming and diving), Diana Wierzba (volleyball).

"To say the least, it's a remarkable achievement for a student to achieve a 4.0 GPA while balancing all the commitments necessary to play a Division I varsity sport," director of athletics John D'Argenio said. "The 4.0 Club is a way to highlight this outstanding achievement."

Last year, Knipfing, Marciano and Hubbard received the honor; they were three of the 10 to receive the recognition, while DeMatteo, Serbalik and Wierzba graduated last spring.

To qualify for the 4.0 club, a student athlete must achieve a perfect 4.0 GPA in either the fall or spring semester while balancing a complete course load, and be an active participant on a Division I sports team.