Allen, a native of Bowmansville, N.Y., is a senior majoring in biology with a 3.9 grade point average. She helped Kentucky finish the season with a No. 23 national ranking and its 16th NCAA regional appearance in 18 years.

July 11, 2002 (Lexington, Ky.) -- University of Kentucky gymnast Nicole Allen was named to the women's Verizon At-large Academic All-America third team, the College Sports Information Directors of America announced recently.

After two consecutive years being named to the All-district IV first team, Allen earned her first All-America honor and is the Wildcats' 14th student-athlete to earn Verizon Academic All-American honors during the 2001-02 school year.

Allen, a native of Bowmansville, N.Y., is a senior majoring in biology with a 3.9 grade point average. She helped Kentucky finish the season with a No. 23 national ranking and its 16th NCAA regional appearance in 18 years.

This season, she set career-highs on the uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise, while earning a spot on the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll.

In addition, Allen is a member of UK's Society of Character and is a two-time NACGC/W Academic All-American.