April 7, 2003

Columbia, SC –

Kristy McPherson, a two-time All-America and two-time defending Southeastern Conference individual champion, has had her eligibility reinstated by the NCAA with no conditions. The NCAA notified the USC athletics department of its ruling Monday afternoon.

McPherson, a senior from Conway, S.C., sat out last weekend’s Liz Murphey Collegiate in Athens, Ga., as a result of the NCAA ruling that she had not taken the necessary academic load this spring semester. NCAA staff members met Monday morning in Indianapolis, Ind., and clarified their interpretation of the rule and fully restored her eligibility. McPherson and the Gamecocks are set to defend their SEC crown April 18-20 in Lexington, Ky.

“We’re pleased with the ruling we received from the NCAA earlier today,” said Kristi Coggins, USC head coach. “An honest mistake was made and fortunately, it has been rectified. We look forward to defending our SEC championships later this month.”