Jan. 20, 2011

As Gamecock student-athletes garner success and accolades on the field of play, they continue their pursuit towards academic excellence in the classroom as well. University of South Carolina student-athletes completed the fall semester by not only achieving their eighth consecutive semester of a departmental grade point average above 3.0, but also recording the highest departmental GPA on record at 3.146.

Thirteen out of 17 teams achieved a 3.0 or better for the semester, with eight teams earning above a 3.3 GPA. Women’s golf led the way with a 3.568 GPA, followed closely by women’s swimming and diving (3.512) and women’s tennis (3.497).

Men’s tennis led all men’s teams with a 3.437 GPA, with men’s soccer (3.251) close behind. Additionally, the Gamecock football squad enjoyed another stellar semester posting its highest GPA on record (2.779) for the third consecutive year.

Fifty-two student-athletes earned a perfect 4.0 GPA and were named to the President’s List while 174 were Dean’s List honorees. An astounding 365 student-athletes, more than half of the student-athlete population, were named to the Athletics Director’s Honor Roll (3.0 GPA or above).

“There is a positive vibe taking place in the Athletics Department,” said Raymond Harrison, Associate AD for Academics and Student Support Services. “While our student-athletes experienced their highest departmental grade point average ever and a record number of student-athletes performed at a high level, our staff believes strongly that there is room for improvement.

“There is no secret why our teams are experiencing high levels of success on the field of play,” continued Harrison. “The commitment level and work ethic of the student-athletes are transferring into all areas – athletics, academics and community outreach. The future of Gamecock Athletics is bright.”