Jan. 24, 2002

HOUSTON, Texas - University of Houston diver Yulia Pakhalina, who captured both the 1-meter and 3-meter springboard NCAA national championships a year ago, was recently named the Female College Athlete of the Year by Space City Sports in its Jan. 10-23 issue.

During her stay at UH, Pakhalina has reeled off 25 consecutive victories, including 15 straight wins to open the 2001-02 season. She has never lost an intercollegiate diving competition (1-meter or 3-meter springboard) in which she has entered.

In addition to her collegiate wins, Pakhalina also impressed on the international level during the 2000-01 season. She added a Bronze Medal to her trophy case in the 3-meter diving competition at the 2001 FINA World Championships in late July in Fukuoka, Japan.

She also joined with former UH volunteer assistant coach Vera Ilynia to win the Silver Medal in the 3-meter synchronized diving at the 2001 Goodwill Games in Brisbane, Australia.