NEW ORLEANS -- The University of Delaware women’s indoor and outdoor track and field squads have been honored as a 2009 All-Academic Team by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.

The Blue Hens, led by first-year head coach Wendy McFarlane, were one of 130 NCAA Division I programs nationally honored for their academic work. To be recognized, teams must have a minimum team cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

Delaware, which ranked No. 44 nationally with a team gpa of 3.311, was one of six teams in the Colonial Athletic Association honored on the list, which was topped by the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, which posted a team gpa of 3.550 during the 2009-10 academic year. Joining the Hens were Towson, Northeastern, William & Mary, Georgia State, and UNC Wilmington.

The Blue Hens competed in 13 events during the 2009-10 indoor season, posting three top three team finishes and placing 16th at the ECAC Championships. During the outdoor season, the Hens took part in 13 events and placed sixth at the CAA Championships.

The team had 41 student-athletes - 67 percent - finish the 2008-09 academic year with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 led by ESPN The Magazine/College Sports Information Directors of America District 2 All-Academic team selection Kelli McDonald and Christina Antonopoulos (at right).