FORT WORTH, Texas – In a remarkable achievement for both academics and athletics, Alabama gymnast Rachel Rybicki has been awarded the prestigious NCAA Elite 90 award. The announcement was made on Tuesday, making Rybicki the fifth gymnast from the University of Alabama (UA) to receive this honor. She is also the first Crimson Tide gymnast to win since Lauren Beers, who claimed the award three consecutive years from 2014 to 2016.
Rybicki, who hails from Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, is a double major in economics and finance, complemented by a minor in Spanish. She currently boasts an impressive 4.00 GPA, showcasing her dedication to both her studies and gymnastics. The award was presented to her during the NCAA women’s gymnastics team banquet held on the same evening, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the sport and her academic excellence.
The NCAA Elite 90 award honors student-athletes who not only perform at a high level in their respective sports but also maintain the highest academic standards among their peers. The award is presented to the athlete with the highest cumulative GPA at the finals site of each NCAA championship.
In commenting on Rybicki’s achievement, a representative from the gymnastics program expressed pride in her accomplishments. They noted, “Rachel always brings a fierce commitment to excellence to everything she does and has truly established herself as a difference maker within our program. Her positivity is contagious, and she truly invests in others while taking exceptional ownership in every aspect of her development.”
This recognition reflects not only Rybicki’s talent on the gymnastics floor but also her dedication and hard work in the classroom, marking her as a standout student-athlete at the University of Alabama.
