LaPinta Named NCAA Elite 90 Recipient

NORMAN – Emma LaPinta, a junior on the Oklahoma women's gymnastics team, is the recipient of the Elite 90 award for the 2021 NCAA Division 1 Women's Gymnastics Championship.

LaPinta, majoring in communications, currently carries a 4.0 GPA. LaPinta was presented with the award after the Sooners competed in the NCAA Semifinals in Fort Worth, Texas.

The Elite 90, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The Elite 90 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's championships.

Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years with their school. All ties are broken by the number of credits completed.

A native of Frisco, Texas, LaPinta is a two-time Academic All-Big 12 First Team honoree (2020, 2021) and a 2019 Academic All-Rookie selection. LaPinta is also a two-time WCGA Scholastic All-American. On Wednesday, she was recognized as the Big 12 Conference Winter Scholar Athlete for women's gymnastics.

LaPinta has competed in all but one meet for the Sooners in 2021, appearing on floor in 13 of 14 meets and vault in six meets. She boasts a career high 9.925 on floor and has tallied five marks of 9.9 or higher this season on the event. The junior also notched a career high 9.825 on vault this season.

The junior is the first gymnast and just the fourth Sooner to earn the Elite 90 award joining Lily Miyazaki (women's tennis, 2017-18), C.J. Cole (men's basketball, 2015-16) and Kim Moldenhauer (rowing, 2012-13).

For more information on the Elite 90 award winners, log on to https://www.ncaa.com/elite-90.