DURHAM, N.C. (NCCUEaglePride.com) – North Carolina Central University women’s tennis junior Olesya Palko has been named the Nationwide Insurance NCCU Student-Athlete of the Month for April 2012 in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments on the court and in the classroom.

A native of Kyiv, Ukraine, Palko received the 2012 Chancellor’s Award as the NCCU student-athlete with the highest overall grade point average for the second year in a row. The biology major boasts a perfect 4.0 GPA. She was also presented with the Award for Highest Academic Performance by a Junior in the Department of Biology at the spring 2012 NCCU Honors Convocation.

As the Lady Eagles’ No. 1 singles player, she posted a record of 12-5, including a stretch from Feb. 18-March 30 in which she won nine of 10 singles matches. At the No. 1 doubles position, Palko and doubles partner Cameron Chatman earned a record of 11-3.

For her efforts, Palko was selected to the all-conference second team by the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

In three seasons at NCCU, she has tallied a singles record of 41-21, including a 35-16 mark at No. 1 singles. She also has achieved a career doubles record of 39-21, including 37-20 at No. 1 doubles.

For a complete list of award winners, visit www.NCCUEaglePride.com.