NAU student-athletes exceed NCAA academic standards

Women's tennis

For the sixth straight year, all 15 Northern Arizona University sponsored sports teams exceeded the required NCAA standards, according to an NCAA Academic Progress Report released this week.

NAU’s overall Academic Progress Rate for 2013-14 was 970. Teams must meet a minimum multiyear Academic Progress Rate score of 930 out of 1,000 points possible—or a 940 average over the most recent two years—or risk losing scholarships and face other sanctions over time, including bans on postseason play. Scholarship student-athletes earn one point each semester for maintaining an eligible GPA and one point for staying in school or graduating.

Twelve NAU teams carry multiyear totals above 960; six of those programs have a total of 990 or higher. In addition, men’s cross country, women’s cross country, golf, women’s tennis and volleyball all tallied perfect single-year scores of 1000 for 2013-14.

“Once again our student-athletes are upholding their commitment to performance in the classroom and in competition,” said NAU President Rita Cheng. “This achievement demonstrates that hard work and determination really do lead to success.”

NAU student-athletes posted a cumulative grade point average of 3.12 for the academic year. Swimming and diving recorded the highest GPA of 3.61, followed by women’s tennis at 3.60 and soccer at 3.38.

The NAU women’s tennis team also was honored with the APR Public Recognition Award for the third straight year. The award is given each year to teams whose Academic Progress Rate is in the top 10 percent in each sport.

“We are proud of all of our teams and their academic progress,” said Lisa Campos, vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics. “I am extremely happy to see that our women’s tennis program once again achieved the highest APR recognition from the NCAA.”

Established in 2003, NCAA’s Academic Progress Report was put in place to hold institutions accountable for the academic progress of their student-athletes based on eligibility and retention of each student-athlete for each academic term.

View the complete Academic Progress Report for Northern Arizona University here.

NAU Communications