Volleyball Leads KU Teams With 3.32 Spring GPA

June 25, 2009

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Eleven Kansas Athletics teams posted grade-point averages of 3.0 or better this past spring, led by the Kansas volleyball team which had a 3.32 team GPA.

Overall, KU’s student-athletes posted a GPA of 2.95 during the 2009 spring semester.

“I’m very proud of my players,” said head volleyball coach Ray Bechard. “This achievement shows how capable they are of balancing school and sports and demonstrates what great time management skills they have. We are also grateful to Scott Ward, the team’s academic support supervisor.”

“They had a very demanding spring with volleyball commitments and continued to excel in the classroom. They really demonstrate the true meaning of a student-athlete,” Bechard added.

Two hundred forty-seven, or 51 percent of student-athletes, earned spots on the Athletics Director’s Honor Roll by achieving a 3.0 or better; 38 of those achieved a perfect 4.0. Volleyball landed seven players on the AD’s honor roll, two with a 4.0 GPA.

Swimming and diving finished close behind volleyball with a 3.28 GPA while women’s golf had a 3.22. Men’s and women’s basketball, men’s golf, rowing, soccer, softball, tennis and the spirit squad also achieved GPA’s of 3.0 or better.

“Our student-athletes continue to amaze me with their efforts in the classroom,” said KU Athletics Director Lew Perkins. “They have serious obligations with athletics and at the same time are dedicated to excellence in the classroom. They handle their responsibility extremely well and get great support from our outstanding faculty and Kansas Athletics’ academic support staff.”