Nov. 9, 2006

AUBURN, Ala. -

Auburn University junior Rachel Shanks was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District first team, while senior Julie Bosler was named to the third team, the committee announced on Thursday.

"These are two student-athletes who are the epitome of what a student-athlete should be," head coach Laura Farina said.  " They have taken care of business both on the court and in the classroom, and I am very proud of them both."

Shanks, who is majoring in biomedical sciences, holds a 4.00 GPA.  The Madison, Ala., native has started each match for the Tigers and leads the team in kpg (3.85), attacks (1080), dpg (3.54), is tied for first in aces/game (0.35) and is third in assists with 26.  The junior outside hitter also has 16 double-doubles on the season to lead AU.  Shanks ranks second on the school's all-time digs/game (min. 500 digs) list with a 3.02 average and is eighth on the all-time kills/game list with a 3.21 average.  She was named MVP of the South Alabama Jaguar Challenge as well as being an All-Tournament selection at the SMU Invitational and Auburn/Mizuno Challenge.  In addition to her on-court success, the junior is also a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll as well as being a member of the dean's list.  She has also been named Auburn Academic Top Tiger and was a part of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

Bosler holds a 3.59 GPA, while also majoring in biomedical sciences.  The Jasper, Ind., native is averaging 1.17 bpg, which ranks eighth in the conference.  She also leads the squad in total blocks (120) and block assists (88).  Bosler continues to move up the all-time charts in the blocks categories.  She is fourth on the solo blocks list with 93 and sits 13 away from Jaunelle Hamilton in third.  With 346 total stuffs heading into the weekend, the Jasper, Ind. native sits in fifth on the all-time list.  Bosler is seventh on the all-time block assists list with 253, and she also currently sits third all-time with an average of 1.07 blocks per game.  The senior is a four-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and a two-time Auburn Top Tiger.  Bosler is in her first semester of Auburn Pharmacy School.