Student-athletes shine in the classroom
Led by members of the women’s soccer team, seven CSUMB squads produced team grade-point averages of 3.0 or higher for the spring semester.
That’s in addition to producing two team titles, seven All-America selections, and a number of community service projects.
The women soccer players compiled a 3.32 GPA to lead the university’s 12 intercollegiate sports programs. The women's cross country and golf teams each compiled a 3.17.
Men’s soccer, women’s water polo and volleyball all earned GPAs of 3.06; women’s basketball came in at 3.04. “CSUMB student-athletes continue to be challenged – not only when they compete but also in the classroom,” said CSUMB Director of Athletics Vince Otoupal.
“And you know what? They are responding and they are responding well. Our GPA continues to improve.” Volleyball outside hitter Julia Ashen registered a perfect 4.0 while juggling a course load of 30 credits in her freshman year.
Four other student-athletes recorded 4.0s for the spring semester: volleyball player Molly Kennedy; soccer players Dylan Niven and Kendra Gillo; and baseball player Brian Haggett. “Student-athletes are winning awards,” Otoupal said. “We are bringing home championships. We graduated 28 student-athletes this year and we will graduate even more next year – with better GPAs. Our coaches are doing a great job teaching and coaching. Our student-athletes are doing their jobs – in the classroom and in competition.” Softball player Jamie Moon became the first CSUMB student-athlete to earn Academic All-America honors.