McNamara Student-Athletes of the Week: Ana Balboa and Michele Edlin

Each week, the McNamara Academic Center for Student-Athletes (MAC) will recognize one University of Minnesota student-athlete for his or her academic achievements. The first ever joint winners of the McNamara Student-Athlete of the Week for the week ending February 6th are Ana Balboa from women’s gymnastics and Michele Edlin from women’s golf.

Academic Counselor Chelsie Schafer nominated both students because of the way they have worked together to achieve academic success.

“Ana and Michele study with tutors together, they share notes when one is absent for team travel and they keep each other motivated,” Schafer said. “They are both driven to succeed. Their dedication to academic success and commitment to helping support each other is something that all of our student-athletes could emulate.”

Women’s golf coach Kris Wessinger is very excited to have Michele selected as a McNamara Student-Athlete of the Week.

“Michele works extremely hard both in the classroom and on the golf course.  She is one of the most determined student athletes that I know, and it has been an absolute pleasure to coach Michele over the last year and half,” Wessinger said.

Women’s gymnastics coach Meg Stephenson is also pleased to have Ana selected for the honor because of her dedication and focus both in the classroom and in the gym.

“Ana is an amazing student athlete, learning in a second language and using all of the resources available to do her best in school,” Stephenson said. “This is also how she is in during practice – she uses all the resources available in order to make the greatest impact on the team.”

Edlin is a sophomore from Jackson, Minnesota. Balboa is also a sophomore who is grew up in Monterrey, Mexico. Both have been honored as Scholar-Athletes for earning a grade point average above a 3.0.