Gamecocks Achieve Success in the Classroom

April 14, 2009

For the fourth consecutive semester, the University of South Carolina’s mean grade point average (GPA) of its 500 student-athletes eclipsed the 3.0 mark, posting a combined 3.006, as the athletics department released its Fall 2008 academic report today.

Thirteen of the University’s 17 athletics programs posted a 3.0 GPA or better for the Fall 2008 semester, matching the second highest number of teams to reach the plateau. It marks the seventh straight semester a dozen or more of the athletics programs exceeded the 3.0 GPA mark. A record 14 of the 17 teams posted a 3.0 GPA or better for the Spring 2008 semester.

Men’s Golf led the way as it posted a 3.506 GPA, followed by Women’s Swimming & Diving (3.409) and Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country (3.404). In addition, two teams, Women’s Track & Field/Cross County and Baseball (3.114) reached its highest GPA on record, while Men’s Basketball (2.749) posted its second highest GPA ever.

Forty-nine student-athletes were named to the President’s List, which honors students with a perfect 4.0 GPA, and 124 student-athletes were named to the Dean’s List.

“Overall our student-athletes continue to achieve academically at the University of South Carolina,” said Raymond Harrison, Director of Academic and Life Skills. “It shows their dedication and commitment to their education. We are pleased with these accomplishments and we will continue to challenge them to improve because we know their capabilities. A majority of the credit goes to the student-athletes for their tremendous academic performance, but credit must also go to the staff of the Academic Enrichment Center (AEC) for providing programs and resources to assist our student -athletes,” continued Harrison. “The coaches and administrators who encourage, support and reinforce the student aspect of student-athlete are also critical to their success.”

TEAM GRADE POINT AVERAGES (Fall 2008)

Baseball 3.114 (Highest ever)

Men’s Basketball 2.749 (Second highest ever)

Women’s Basketball 2.751

Equestrian 3.139

Football 2.374

Men’s Golf 3.506 (Highest GPA fall 2008)

Women’s Golf 3.234

Men’s Soccer 3.096

Women’s Soccer 3.164

Softball 3.263

Men’s Swimming and Diving 2.869