May 16, 2018
LOUDONVILLE, NY - For the second straight year Siena College both set a new school record and led the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference with nine athletic programs receiving NCAA Public Recognition Awards for achieving Academic Progress Rates (APR) in the top-10 percent of their respective sports nationally. Siena's men's cross country, men's golf, men's lacrosse, men's tennis, men's track, softball, women's tennis, women's track, and volleyball teams were all honored for their academic excellence.
"I applaud every program earning a Public Recognition Award this year for their commitment to going above and beyond to prepare students for life after college through academic achievement," NCAA President Mark Emmert said. "To have nine national champions so far this year - including men's and women's basketball - be among those recognized illustrates that student athletes succeed athletically and academically."
More than 1,200 teams from 312 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 Rates. 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 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2016-17 academic years.
"This recognition is more meaningful than any of our many championship trophies or banners," exclaimed Siena College President Br. F. Edward Coughlin, O.F.M., Ph.D. "Our student athletes are winning in the classroom with focused discipline, commitment, and sacrifice. Their academic successes are also shared by our coaches and staff. Realizing the `Education for a Lifetime' is a team sport; the entire community plays a role."
This marks the eighth year in a row during the 13-year-old program in which at least five Siena athletic programs earned NCAA Public Recognition Awards. The Saints' men's and women's tennis teams are receiving recognition for the milestone 10th consecutive year, while volleyball earns its fourth straight honor. Moreover, men's lacrosse was one of just seven programs honored nationally in their sport.
"Having nine programs finish in the top-10 percent in the country shows that Siena student athletes are exceptionally driven and motivated to uphold the high academic standards of the College," remarked Siena College Associate Director of Athletics/Senior Woman Administrator Lori Anctil. "It's a team effort at Siena. It starts with our coaches who recruit talented student athletes, our academic adviser Molly Kaffka, and the amazing faculty and staff that provide support for our Saints so they can achieve continued academic success. I'm thrilled for our department and the College to receive this recognition."
The NCAA's announcement continues to augment 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 paramount areas of student athlete academic and graduation success. Siena's nine NCAA Public Recognition Awards were one more than the College's previous record of eight set last year, and were two more than Fairfield University for most in the MAAC this year.
"There is no better measure of a Division I school's commitment to their student athletes and their welfare than the NCAA's APR success, particularly the commitment of MAAC schools is well recognized and shown by the number of teams in the top-10 percent of their sport," noted MAAC Commissioner Rich Ensor. "Congratulations to all the student athletes, coaches, and administrators whose hard work in the classroom and support has led to this recognition."
Multiyear APRs for all Division I sports teams, including the teams receiving public recognition, will be announced May 23.
