In an era when the grades of student-athletes are constantly and publicly under fire, Rebecca Rowsey has it right.

The 6-foot-3-inch forward for the Lady Dogs basketball team is a three-time SEC Academic Honor Roll winner, part of the SEC Good Works Team and actively involved in her church.

She is also double majoring in biology and religion and a member of the University’s Honor’s Program.

“I think it’s an honor to be able to represent student-athletes in a positive way,” the junior from Henderson, Tenn., said. “There are a lot of smart athletes today and there are a lot of them that are smarter than I am.”

Rowsey boasts a 3.7 GPA and a 32 MCAT score on her resume. She has already been accepted into medical school at University of Tennessee-Memphis and plans to attend there after finishing her final year of athletic eligibility in 2008.

“Rebecca is an incredible student,” said Dr. Karl Espelie, one of Rowsey’s professors in the biology department.

“She will excel in medical school. In the future she will be a wonderful doctor who will be able to gain the trust of her patients.”

Out of the classroom, Rowsey has worked just as hard. She frequently travels to schools to “speak to kids about hard work and motivation”–one of the activities that led to her being named as the University’s representative on the SEC Good Works Team last year.

“I try to stay active in the community,” Rowsey said. “I don’t have a lot of time to get as involved as I would like, but I just try to do little things here and there.”

Rowsey has also been vital to the Lady Dogs’ success on the hardwood.

With Tasha Humphrey frequently in foul trouble and Megan Darrah’s shooting often inconsistent, she has provided experience and important minutes both as a starter and off the bench.

Rowsey attributes her all-around excellence to her parents, her focus and her determination.

“I’ve set my goals and I know what I want to accomplish,” Rowsey said.

“I try to prioritize everything and stay focused and not let other things get in the way. My parents always encouraged me to do whatever I wanted as long as I was happy. They let me create my own plan for my future.”