The Great Lakes Valley Conference announced that 635 student-athletes have earned the GLVC Council of Presidents' Academic Excellence Award, a new record. William Jewell achieved a record high of 51 honorees, ranking fourth among all institutions. These awards recognize athletes who maintained at least a 3.5 GPA, competed for at least two years in the conference, and completed 96 credit hours. Notably, 33 students concluded their collegiate careers with a perfect 4.0 GPA, including Jewell's Laura Torres. This award highlights the commitment of student-athletes to academic excellence across the GLVC.

By the Numbers
  • 635 student-athletes received the academic award, surpassing the previous record of 613.
  • William Jewell had a record 51 honorees, placing fourth in the conference.
State of Play
  • This year's award total represents an increase in participation compared to past academic years.
  • Rockhurst led with 73 total honorees, showing high academic achievement among athlete participants.
What's Next

The growing number of honorees suggests increasing emphasis on academics within the conference, fostering a more competitive educational environment for student-athletes. Institutions may implement additional support for maintaining academic standards to continue this trend.

Bottom Line

The GLVC's commitment to academic excellence is exemplified by the record number of award recipients, signaling the potential for even greater achievements in the future. This trend emphasizes the importance of balancing athletics with strong academic performance among student-athletes.