LaPinta Earns Second Elite 90 Honor

NORMAN – Emma LaPinta, a senior on the Oklahoma women's gymnastics team, is the recipient of the Elite 90 award for the 2022 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. This is the second year in a row the Frisco native has earned the award after taking home the honor in 2021.

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.

LaPinta is a three-time Academic All-Big 12 First Team honoree (2020, 2021, 2022) and a 2019 Academic All-Rookie selection. LaPinta is also a three-time WCGA Scholastic All-American. She boasts a career high 9.925 on floor and a career high 9.825 on vault.

The senior is the third gymnast in NCAA history to repeat as the Elite 90 winner joining Alabama's Lauren Beers (2014-16) and Rachel Terry (2011-12). She became the fourth Sooner to earn the Elite 90 award in 2021 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.