Maribeth Baker, a junior bowler at Duquesne University, has been honored as the 2025-2026 Northeast Conference (NEC) Scholar-Athlete of the Year. With a GPA of 3.85, Baker continues Duquesne's tradition, marking the third consecutive year a Duquesne athlete has received this accolade. In addition to this honor, she has secured several prestigious awards in the bowling arena, highlighting her exceptional athletic performance this season, which included guiding the team to its first NEC Tournament championship.

By the Numbers
  • Baker maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.85.
  • She led the NCAA Division I in traditional average with 212.0 per game over seven events.
  • Duquesne finished the season with a record of 63-47 (.573) and won the NEC regular-season championship with a 17-7 (.708) record.
Yes, But

While Baker's accomplishments are commendable, the competitive nature of collegiate sports means that maintaining academic excellence amidst high-pressure athletics can present significant challenges, emphasizing the need for continued support and resources for student-athletes.

State of Play
  • Duquesne concluded the season ranked 19th in the final NTCA Top 25 poll.
  • The bowling team has been ranked in the NTCA Top 25 for 44 consecutive polls since 2018.
What's Next

Baker and her team will aim to build on this successful season as they prepare for the upcoming year, seeking to further establish Duquesne's reputation in NCAA Division I bowling while aspiring for more postseason accolades.

Bottom Line

Baker's recognition as NEC Scholar-Athlete of the Year not only highlights her individual achievements but also underscores Duquesne's commitment to balancing academic excellence with competitive athletics, paving the way for future student-athletes.