ST LOUIS, Mo. -- Going into the 2015 NCAA National Collegiate Women's Bowling Championship, the regular season is officially wrapped up as the National Tenpin Coaches Association hands out its yearly awards. The University of Central Missouri walked away with several honors that show accomplishment on the lanes.
 
This happens at the annual banquet that is held the night before competition starts; just a few hours before eight teams vie for a national title. The event is, obviously, a celebration of the entire season, but it ends with saving the best for last. The final order of business on the program is the announcement of the winner of the NCAA's own Elite 89 award – an honor that combines academics and athletics.
 
Sophomore Carly Thomas is this year's recipient of the Elite 89 award for Women's Bowling, marking the first time in the history of the UCM women's bowling program that a Jennie has earned the honor.
 
From the NCAA:

Elite 89 Academic Recognition Award Program
The ELITE 89, 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 89 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's 89 championships.
 
Selection Criteria
Student-athlete is at least a sophomore in academic and athletics standing, and in at least his or her second year of competition (in any sport) at his or her current institution.
Student-athlete is an active member on the roster and a member of the designated squad size for the championship site.
Each student-athlete is only eligible to win the award once per academic year, even if he/she participates in more than one sport.

Thomas actually tied for highest GPA with two other bowling student-athletes who are competing at the national championship. The tiebreaker is based on credit hours. Thomas, again, just a sophomore, beat out the competition while working toward a degree in business administration.
 
Other awards from the banquet included UCM's Jordan Richard earning the NTCA Division II/III Rookie and Player of the Year awards, along with Second Team All-American honors. Her twin sister Haley Richard was named All-America Honorable Mention. Head coach Ron Holmes accepted his ninth NTCA Division II/III Coach of the Year award. For more on those accolades: click here.