Continuing its hard work in the classroom, Santa Clara's women's rowing, women's track and women's water polo teams were all recognized by the NCAA on Thursday as recipients of the organization's Public Recognition Awards for academic achievement. The NCAA released the APR recognition by highlighting teams that demonstrated a commitment to academic progress and retention of student-athletes by achieving the top APR scores within their respective sports. Specifically, these three teams posted multi-year APRs in the top 10 percent of all squads in each sport.
Each year the NCAA honors selected Division I sports teams by publicly recognizing their latest multiyear NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate (APR). This announcement is part of the overall Division I academic reform effort and is intended to highlight teams that demonstrate a commitment to academic progress and retention of student-athletes by achieving the top APRs within their respective sports. Specifically, these teams posted multiyear APRs in the top 10 percent of all squads in each sport.
"Between this and the West Coast Conference academic honors we've received over the last year, its great to see we are holding true to our mission of academic excellence and to receive validation for the work we do in the classroom. I'm also honored to be recognized alongside so many other great schools and rowing teams," said Bronco women's rowing coach John Wojikiewicz.
"I am very glad to see that we have a 100% APR for the women's water polo team. Academics is a high priority for our team, and we strive to create an environment where the players can find the balance to excel in the classroom and at their sport," said Bronco women's water polo coach Keith Wilbur.
"It is great to have our student-athletes recognized for their hard work and high performance in the classroom. It is a pleasure working with such motivated and balanced student-athletes," said Bronco head cross country and track coach Felipe Montoro.
"We're thrilled with the academic standard set by these three programs. Of particular note, our women's water polo team has posted perfect APR scores since the inception of the APR initiative. Overall, our high APR scores across all programs continue to highlight the impressive degree of student-athlete scholastic success at Santa Clara," said Bronco Associate Athletic Director Jeff Mitchell, who oversees Santa Clara's compliance area.
The APR provides a real-time view of a team's academic success by tracking the progress of each student-athlete during the school year. By measuring eligibility and retention each semester or quarter, the APR provides a clear picture of the academic culture in each sport.
