BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — West Alabama’s Ashton Washington and Jessica Thompson have been named to the 2007-08 Gulf South Conference Winter All-Academic Team, released by the conference office on Monday.  This year’s honor marks the second time that Washington and Thompson have been voted to the academic squad.

Along with the two selections to the All-Academic Team, UWA placed six student-athletes on the GSC Winter Academic Honor Roll.  Joining Washington and Thompson from the women’s hoops squad is senior Ayonna Proctor and sophomore Amber Walker.  Juniors Brian Murphy and Maurice Naylor represented the men’s Tiger basketball program on the honor roll. 

Washington, a native of Lexington, Miss. joins Valdosta State’s Carley Peterson as members of both the 2008 All-GSC team and the Winter All-Academic team.

 The Winter All-Academic Team is selected by the GSC Sports Information Directors (SIDs) and Faculty Athletic Representatives (FAR) in a joint vote.  Nominees must meet all three of the following qualifications to appear on the ballot: 1) an overall grade point average of 3.20 or better on a 4.00 scale for their entire academic career, 2) a starter or significant contributor to the squad, and 3) leadership, academic curriculum and community service.