Tech student-athletes post fourth best semester GPA

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – As every student-athlete enters the hallowed halls of Tennessee Tech, there are two goals placed in front of them before their tenure is complete – a championship ring on one hand and a diploma in the other.

 

And while the Golden Eagles have been excelling on the field, posting its best ever finish in the Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner's Cup, they have also been making their marks in the classroom.

 

For the 17^th consecutive semester since Spring 2009, the university's student-athletes combined for a composite grade point average higher than 3.0, coming through with a 3.205 GPA for the Spring 2017 semester. That mark is the fourth highest in Tech athletics history.

 

The top three were 3.293 in Spring 2014, 3.234 in Fall 2016 and 3.216 in Fall 2013.

 

"Most of what people see is what our student-athletes do on the court, the fields or on the track," said Tech Director of Athletics Mark Wilson. "But there really is a lot more that goes on in their day-to-day efforts. From the involvement of the university's faculty and staff, as well as our academic support personnel, we are all working together to insure we are creating amazing men and women who will leave here ready to make a difference, be leaders in their communities and proudly represent what Tennessee Tech stands for.

 

"It's a strenuous process that takes a lot of time and dedication, and I couldn't be prouder of what our young men and women have and will continue to accomplish."

 

Ten of the university's 14 teams had team averages over 3.0, and nine also improved their team GPAs from a year ago.

 

The Men's Tennis team led all programs with a record-high 3.727, besting the team-best 3.680 from the Fall 2016 semester, while Women's Soccer posted a 3.705 – the highest-ever women's team GPA since records have been kept.

 

It was the fifth time since 2007-08 that Men's Tennis has posted the highest team GPA, while six different teams have held on to the top spot in that tenure.

 

The academic success isn't limited to 2009 as several teams have built an impressive legacy of high marks. Volleyball, coming in with a 3.418 GPA this semester, has had 34 consecutive semesters of GPAs exceeding 3.0, dating back to Fall 2000. Women's Soccer stands just behind at 27 semesters, while Softball (3.398) and Women's Indoor and Outdoor Track (3.258, 3.256) have 26-semester-long streaks. Men's Tennis extended its streak to 18 semesters, while Women's Cross Country (3.474) eclipsed the double-digit mark with its 10^th straight.

 

Men's Cross Country (3.231), Women's Golf (3.230) and Men's Golf (3.030) placed above the 3.0 mark, while Women's Basketball (2.985), Baseball (2.834), Football (2.723) and Men's Basketball (2.685) narrowly missed the 3.0 range.

 

Teams that showed an improvement from Spring 2016 included Men's Tennis (0.377), Women's Soccer (0.21), Volleyball (0.181), Softball (0.369), Women's Indoor Track (0.065), Women's Outdoor Track (0.063), Men's Cross Country (0.168), Women's Golf (0.097) and Women's Basketball (0.052).

 

Teams that saw a decrease from Spring 2016 were Women's Cross Country (-0.067), Men's Golf (-0.035), Baseball (-0.143), Football (-0.182) and Men's Basketball (-0.181).

 

The academic success was marked in early May as 56 student-athletes, coaches, managers and trainers received their degrees in the university's spring commencement.

 

"We place so much emphasis here on academic success and these numbers are the proof that we are showing so much progress in meeting our goals," Wilson said. "They are a testament to the efforts of (TTU Assistant Athletics Director for Academics) Dr. Lance Jasitt and his staff, as well as the continued support and instruction from the university's faculty, who spends countless hours ensuring our student-athletes' success. Through their continued efforts, I am certain we will continue to reach greater heights."