Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Six athletic teams from Valparaiso University have received the NCAA Public Recognition Award for outstanding academic performance.

The NCAA announced that the softball, women’s basketball, women’s cross country, women’s golf, and women’s indoor and outdoor track teams each received the honor.

The award is presented to teams that have an NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate in the top 10 percent of all teams in their respective sport. The calculation of APR tracks the academic progress of each student-athlete and includes eligibility, retention and graduation.

“We are excited that our student-athletes once again have demonstrated an outstanding commitment not just to their efforts on the playing fields, but also in the classroom,” Valparaiso University Director of Athletics Mark LaBarbera stated.  “We are very proud that year in and year out that they are succeeding as both students and athletes.”

In April, 113 student-athletes received Presidential Academic Honors in recognition of earning a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or higher after at least three semesters at Valpo.

“I am continually impressed with the academic excellence our student-athletes display as they balance their coursework with their commitment to their teammates and University,” Valparaiso University President Mark Heckler said. “Their efforts undoubtedly will prepare them for future success in their careers and vocations.”

This is the fourth straight year the Crusaders softball team has received the Public Recognition Award.

With six teams honored, Valpo finished with the second-highest total in the Horizon League.