Meilin Sullivan, hailing from Kansas City, Mo., and a senior member of the Oklahoma women’s gymnastics team, clinched the prestigious Elite 90 award at the 2024 NCAA Division 1 Women’s Gymnastics Championship.
The accolade, presented during the NCAA Championships banquet, celebrates Sullivan’s outstanding academic achievement as an Arts and Sciences Planned Program major, maintaining an impeccable 4.0 GPA. Notably, this marks the fourth consecutive year that a Sooner gymnast has secured this honor, following Emma LaPinta’s back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022, with Sullivan becoming the second Sooner to achieve this feat.
Initiated by the NCAA, the Elite 90 award underscores the essence of the student-athlete, honoring individuals who excel both athletically and academically at the pinnacle of national championship competition. It recognizes the highest cumulative grade-point average among peers competing at the championship finals across NCAA sports.
Eligibility criteria stipulate that student-athletes must be sophomores or above, with at least two years of participation in their respective sports at their institution. In cases of ties, preference is given based on the number of completed credits.
Sullivan boasts a remarkable academic record, earning recognition as a three-time WCGA Academic All-American and inclusion in the 2022 Academic All-Big 12 First Team. Her gymnastics prowess shone through as well, notably debuting on bars and beam in 2024, achieving a career-high 9.9 on bars alongside her prior appearances as a vault specialist.
Joining an illustrious list of previous recipients, including LaPinta, Lily Miyazaki (women’s tennis, 2017-18), C.J. Cole (men’s basketball, 2015-16), and Kim Moldenhauer (rowing, 2012-13), Sullivan’s recognition underscores Oklahoma’s commitment to academic and athletic excellence.
For further details on Elite 90 award winners, visit https://www.ncaa.com/elite-90.
