April 2, 2008
ST. LOUIS - University of Northern Iowa
junior Taynara Moraes has been selected the Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athletes of the Week, Commissioner Doug Elgin announced today. Moraes were honored for her performances during the period of March 24-30. Now in its ninth year of existence, The Valley's Scholar-Athlete program is sponsored by Prairie Farms, Roberts and Hiland Dairies. On a weekly basis, the Conference honors its student-athletes for their athletic performance for a one-week period and academic success in the classroom.
"Our continued corporate partnership with Prairie Farms provides an important vehicle by which to recognize our top student-athletes," said Commissioner Elgin, who is in his 20th year with The Valley. "Our student-athletes are our most visible representatives, and we're happy to honor Taynara (Moraes) for her athletic and academic achievements."
A member of the Panthers women's tennis team, Moraes, a junior from Santos, Brazil, won both her singles and doubles matches to help UNI defeat Drake, 4-3, in the Panthers' MVC opener.
Moraes, who has a 3.01 cumulative grade-point average in economics, defeated Drake's Sarah Plowman 3-6, 6-1 and 7-5 at No. 4 singles. At No. 1 doubles, she combined with Meghana Paritala to earn a 9-7 victory over Veronika Leszayova and Plowman.
To qualify for Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week laurels, student-athletes must carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00, completed at least one academic year at a Valley institution and must be at least a sophomore in academic standing. In addition to the academic qualifications, student-athletes will be evaluated on their athletic performance for a one-week period.
