Colorado College earned the NCHC's inaugural Academic Excellence Award for the 2025-26 season, highlighted by an impressive team GPA of 3.762, the highest among the conference's nine teams. This recognition reflects the academic dedication of the Tigers, with two athletes achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA and 12 more securing a GPA of 3.8 or higher. The award methodology emphasizes performance in the previous academic year, reinforcing the importance of consistent academic effort among all student-athletes. NCHC Commissioner Heather Weems praised the team's accomplishments and commitment to academic success, which fosters camaraderie across teams. The Tigers will receive their award in a presentation later this fall during a home game, signaling a celebration of their achievements both on and off the ice.

By the Numbers
  • The team's average GPA was 3.762, the highest in the NCHC.
  • Out of 28 student-athletes, 2 achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA, and 12 had GPAs of 3.8 or better.
  • 27 student-athletes made the NCHC Honor Roll with at least a 3.0 GPA.
  • 23 student-athletes were recognized as Distinguished Scholar-Athletes for a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Yes, But

While Colorado College excelled academically, it's essential to note that this award is based solely on GPA and doesn't account for other factors such as athletic performance or extracurricular engagement. Other NCHC teams may have different strengths that weren't represented in this particular metric.

State of Play
  • The NCHC's decision to create the Academic Excellence Award highlights a larger emphasis on student-athlete achievement beyond sports.
  • Colorado College's recognition sets a precedent and could encourage other schools to prioritize academic performance alongside athletic success.
What's Next

The Tigers will aim to repeat their academic success in the upcoming season, fostering a culture of excellence among student-athletes. The presentation event for the award in the fall will likely increase awareness of academic achievements in collegiate athletics.

Bottom Line

Colorado College's achievement serves as a compelling model for how academic dedication and support can yield outstanding results in collegiate sports, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to the student-athlete experience.