Athletics

May 10, 2019 | Athletics Communications

Student-Athletes Continue to Excel in the Classroom

"The outstanding achievements of our student-athletes in the classroom and in competition reflect the effort and enthusiasm with which they go about their business," says David Benedict, director of athletics.

A view of Gampel Pavilion. (Peter Morenus/UConn File Photo)

Students pass by Gampel Pavilion on the walk to class. (Peter Morenus/UConn Photo)

Five University of Connecticut athletics teams posted a perfect 1000 multi-year Academic Progress Rate, while 10 teams sported perfect 1000 APR scores for the 2017-18 academic year, as announced by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) on Wednesday.

Four-year multi-year scores include data from the 2014-15 academic year through 2017-18.  UConn’s overall institutional APR for the 2017-18 academic year stood at 987.

The women’s basketball team recorded an impressive 990 multi-year score and won the NCAA national championship in two (2015, 2016) of those four seasons.  The UConn field hockey team posted a solid 993 multi-year APR and captured national championships in 2014 and 2017.

Teams that posted perfect multi-year APR scores were women’s cross country, women’s tennis, men’s golf, men’s hockey, and men’s tennis.

The 10 teams that recorded perfect 1000 single-year APR scores in 2017-18 were: women’s cross country, softball, women’s soccer, women’s swimming, women’s tennis, men’s basketball, men’s cross country, men’s golf, men’s hockey, and men’s tennis.

In addition, 14 squads posted multi-year APR scores of 990 or better and 16 of UConn’s 24 athletics teams registered a single-year APR of 980 or better. The 981 multi-year score for the football team is the highest rate achieved by the team since the APR was instituted in 2004.

“UConn’s student-athletes continue to be a source of pride for all of UConn Nation,” says David Benedict, director of athletics.  “The outstanding achievements of our student-athletes in the classroom and in competition reflect the effort and enthusiasm with which they go about their business.  I am proud of the excellence they continue to attain and grateful for our Student-Athlete Success Program staff and the valuable support they continue to provide.”

Last week, the NCAA announced that six UConn athletic programs were recognized for top academic performances. Based on the most recent multi-year Academic Progress Rates, the UConn men’s golf, men’s basketball, men’s and women’s tennis and women’s cross country and men’s hockey teams earned NCAA Public Recognition Awards.

Teams are recognized with the Public Recognition Award by the NCAA for posting Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores that are in the top 10 percent nationally of their individual sport.