Athletics program exceeding NCAA academic standards

Women's Tennis

Northern Arizona University student-athletes have again shown they measure up academically, according to an NCAA Academic Progress Report released this week.

The report is a measure of eligibility, retention and graduation of student-athletes competing on every Division 1 sports team. It is based on the past four years’ performance, and rates have been shown to predict later graduation success.

Teams must meet a minimum multiyear APR score of 900 out of 1,000 points possible—or a 930 average over the most recent two years—or risk losing scholarships and face other sanctions over time, including bans on postseason play.

All 15 of NAU’s sponsored sports are exceeding NCAA academic standards for the fourth straight year, and the department’s overall APR of 977 is 28 points higher than in last year’s report.

The women’s tennis team received an APR Public Recognition Award for earning a perfect single-year APR each of the past four years. The award is given each year to Division 1 athletic programs whose Academic Progress Rate is among the top 10 percent of schools nationwide.

“The continued improvement of our Academic Performance Rate demonstrates the commitment NAU student-athletes have made to achieve success in the classroom,” said Lisa Campos, vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics. “Furthermore, our continued academic success reflects the hard work by the student-athletes, coaches and support staff to uphold the academic standards set by President John Haeger.”

Twelve NAU squads carry multiyear totals above 960, with seven teams accomplishing perfect single-year scores: Men’s and Women’s Tennis; Women’s Swimming and Diving; Women’s Golf; Men’s Cross Country; Men’s Indoor Track; and Women’s Volleyball.

View the complete Academic Progress Report for Northern Arizona University.