SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Kari Kopecky of the South Dakota women's swimming and diving squad was today named to the North Central Conference Women's All-Academic At-Large team by a vote of the league's sports information directors.

Kopecky, a junior from Warroad, Minn., has a 3.56 grade point in contemporary media and journalism studies. She has earned two All-American honors, including an eighth place finish at the nationals in March. Kopecky was eighth in the A final of the 50 free (24.49), the sixth best time in school history. She owns the USD all-time mark in the 50-free of 23.90 est. in 2001. Also at nationals, she was a member of the 800 free relay that was 12th in 7:56.34 and was part of a USD 400 free relay squad that finished ninth in 3:33.25, earning her honorable mention all-American status in both events.

At the 2003 NCC meet, Kopecky was third in the 50-free in 24.34 and a member of 200-free relay that finished second and established a school record of 1:37.08. She was selected a College Swim Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) All-American in 2002. Kopecky is listed in top 10 times in the 50 free, 100 free, and 100 fly at South Dakota.

Named honorable mention selections on the NCC At-Large Academic Team included: Molly Connolly, a junior from Elkhorn, Neb.; Lindsey Schafer, a junior of Mandan, N.D.; and Angie Stalker, a sophomore from Sheridan, Wyo.