LOUDONVILLE, NY – For the fourth consecutive year Siena College is at the top of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference for the number of NCAA Public Recognition Awards earned. The Saints tied Quinnipiac University with a conference-high seven athletic programs receiving NCAA Public Recognition Awards for achieving Academic Progress Rates (APR) in the top-10 percent of their respective sports nationally.

"The number of teams earning Public Recognition Awards – including those earning perfect scores – has increased again, demonstrating the commitment member schools and college athletes have made to high academic achievement," explained NCAA President Mark Emmert. "Congratulations to these teams for their continued academic success. I am especially proud of the success in women's sports. The achievement in women's athletics is so high that scoring in the top 10% of your sport now requires a perfect score."

Siena's seven athletic programs honored were men's cross country, men's golf, men's tennis, men's track, women's cross country, women's golf, and women's track. Men's track was one of just 30 Division I squads that was recognized nationally, while the women's track program was one of only 36.

"Just like in sports, academic success is the product of a winning culture," said Siena College Interim President Margaret E. Madden, Ph.D. "Each year, our programs advance the mission of the College by graduating students filled with passion and purpose, ready to lead. I'm so proud of today's student athletes for embracing our decades-old legacy. This spring, the global pandemic cost our student athletes their opportunity to compete on the field. Their particular resolve this semester, in the face of such profound disappointment, underscores our winning culture and their commitment to academic excellence."   

A total of 1,380 athletic programs from 326 Division I schools received NCAA Public Recognition Awards for scoring in the top-10 percent of their respective sports in the most recent Academic Progress Rate results. The APR is an annual scorecard of academic achievement calculated for all Division I sports teams. The APR measures eligibility, graduation, and retention each semester or academic term, and provides a clear picture of the academic performance for each team in every sport. All teams must meet an academic threshold of 930 to qualify for the postseason, and can face penalties for continued low academic performance. The most recent APRs are multiyear rates based on scores from the 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19 academic years.

"I'm extremely delighted by the sustained outstanding academic success our student athletes continue to demonstrate year-in and year-out," remarked Siena College Vice President and Director of Athletics John D'Argenio. "Our Saints embody the true definition of what is means to be a student athlete, and I'm grateful for our coaches who continue to recruit high achieving individuals and our academic staff who support them in achieving their goals."

This marks the milestone 10^th straight year during the 15-year-old history of the program in which at least five Siena athletic programs have earned NCAA Public Recognition Awards. Moreover, this is the 12^th consecutive year in which Siena's men's tennis program has received recognition.

"Our student athletes never cease to amaze me," proclaimed Siena Athletics Academic Advisor Molly Kaffka. "They continue to break records both on and off the field thanks in large part to their academic excellence and prowess. Siena student athletes are generous, kind, hardworking, gracious people who consistently live and breathe Siena's Franciscan values. This combination results in their outstanding APR status, and there's no doubt they will continue to rise above all, shine, and represent Siena in the brightest light!"

Siena has now been at the vanguard of the MAAC in NCAA Public Recognition Awards for four straight years, achieving a program record nine honors each of the previous two seasons after receiving eight awards in 2017. Fairfield University and Marist College tied for third in the MAAC behind the Saints and Bobcats with six awards each.

"The MAAC and its members take pride in ensuring student athletes succeed in both academics and athletics," noted MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor. "Congratulations to all the teams and programs around the MAAC for their continued success in the classroom."

The NCAA's announcement continues to underscore both Siena College and the athletic department's continued success as an institution which annually ranks amongst the top Division I schools nationally in the imperative areas of student athlete academic and graduation success. 

Multiyear APRs for all Division I athletic programs, including the teams receiving public recognition, will be released May 19.