Ithaca College Golf Team Strikes Gold with Record-Breaking GPA!

Coral Springs, USA - In a notable achievement for women’s collegiate golf, Ithaca College has been named the champion of academic excellence in Division III, securing the highest GPA with an impressive 3.917 for the 2024-25 season. This recognition from the Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) showcases not only the prowess of the athletes on the course but also their commitment to academic excellence. The WGCA announced the All-Scholar Team GPA Award on July 16, underscoring the significance of balancing sportsmanship and scholarship in collegiate athletics. Ithaca previously held this honor in the 2017-18 season with a GPA of 3.801, proving that consistency is key.

All five members of the Ithaca team were designated as WGCA Scholar All-Americans, marking a proud moment for the program. Impressively, this GPA achievement ranks as the ninth-highest across all NCAA divisions. The award reflects the dedication to both academic and sporting goals, highlighting the importance of education in athletic environments. As these young women excel in their studies, they also set an inspiring example for future generations of student-athletes.

Bradley University Shines Bright

Meanwhile, across the landscape of collegiate golf, Bradley University’s women’s golf program has also added to its accolades. Ranking 16th out of over 250 NCAA Division I women’s golf programs, the Braves achieved a record-high GPA of 3.882 this past season. This achievement marks a significant improvement from their previous ranking of 17th last season, showcasing a commitment to elevating their academic performance.

Six athletes from the Braves received WGCA All-American Scholar honors, including Maria Perakis, who notably earned her fourth consecutive award. Others such as Allison Pacocha and Jillian Cosler also made impressive marks, showcasing their talents both on the green and in the classroom. The WGCA criteria for recognition require a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher, along with participation in half of the team’s competitive rounds, setting a benchmark that these talented players not only meet but exceed.

Building Academic Excellence

It’s not just Ithaca and Bradley that are showcasing the high academic standards of women’s collegiate golf. The Murray State women’s golf team, for example, saw five players named to the WGCA All-American Scholars Team for the 2022-23 academic year. This reflects a team spirit and collective effort in maintaining a high GPA, as they achieved a program record GPA of 3.72 recently. Coach Philip Nelson emphasized the importance of academic performance, and it clearly resonates with the team members.

Over 1,400 student-athletes across all levels of women’s collegiate golf were recognized, showing that the strive for academic excellence is a shared value amongst these athletes. With more than 66 WGCA All-America Scholar selections since 1998, Murray State’s women’s golf program continues to demonstrate how a commitment to education can go hand-in-hand with competitive athletic performance.

The WGCA has been a pivotal force in promoting academic excellence since its inception in 1983, representing over 600 coaches nationwide and underscoring the essential role education plays in collegiate athletics. As these programs continue to excel both academically and athletically, they set the stage for future student-athletes to thrive and follow in their footsteps.

For more details on these shining academic accomplishments, check out the announcements from Ithaca College, Bradley University, and Murray State University.