NEW ORLEANS, La. – Demonstrating excellence both on the track and in the classroom, the St. Mary's College of Maryland men's and women's cross country teams have been recognized with the 2023 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Academic Team award. This prestigious accolade highlights their academic achievements during the Fall of 2023, underscoring the balance between athletic commitment and scholastic dedication.
The USTFCCCA announced the award on Thursday afternoon, February 1, affirming the teams' commitment to academic excellence. To be considered for this honor, teams must maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.1 on a 4.0 scale, incorporating the most recent grading period, among other criteria. The announcement reflects the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes, who excel in their sport while maintaining high academic standards.
The men's team at St. Mary's College stood out by posting a cumulative GPA of 3.39, marking the ninth time the Seahawks have earned this accolade. Their consistent performance in academics dates back to 2010, with awards received in intervals through 2014 and then again in 2017, 2021, and the consecutive years following up to 2023. This year's recognition is particularly notable as it marks the third under the guidance of Reava Potter, who is in her third year as head coach. Among their peers in the United East Conference, St. Mary's men's team was the sole award recipient, distinguishing themselves as leaders in academic achievement.
On the women's side, the Seahawks continued to showcase their academic prowess by achieving a team cumulative GPA of 3.4. This achievement adds to the program's impressive history, bringing their total to 11 USTFCCCA All-Academic Team awards. Their streak of academic excellence spans from 2010 to 2017, with continued success in 2021 through 2023. Like their male counterparts, this marks the third consecutive year the women's team has been honored under Coach Potter's leadership. St. Mary's College was one of two institutions from the United East women's programs to be recognized, sharing the spotlight with Gallaudet University, which also made the list with a GPA of 3.404.
These awards underscore the Seahawks' dual commitment to athletic competitiveness and academic success. Under the leadership of Coach Potter, both teams have demonstrated that achieving a balance between sports and studies is possible and can lead to national recognition. Their inclusion in the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team underscores the importance of academic excellence in collegiate athletics. It sets a standard for other teams within their conference and across Division III schools.
For a complete list of the USTFCCCA Division III All-Academic Team Award winners, the USTFCCCA has made the information available through their official announcement. This recognition not only celebrates the athletes' hard work and dedication but also inspires future student-athletes aiming to excel both in their sports and the classroom.
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