TAMPA - - The University of South Florida women's cross country team brought home a national championship in the classroom by posting the Division I's best team GPA. The recognition was handed out by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.
"What an accomplishment," said USF athletics director Doug Woolard. "The level of GPAs these athletes achieved are very difficult for the average student, let alone one who has to train on a daily basis. I cannot commend this team enough for the positive way they are representing our athletic department and the entire student body of USF."
USF led all schools with a 3.78 team GPA out of a total of 325 teams that represent the NCAA Division I in women's cross country.
“To have earned the number one GPA in the United States is a great honor for our women's cross country program, the athletic department and the University of South Florida,” said USF head coach Warren Bye.
Five Bulls, including Emily Wakley, Maressa Pinzini, Lisa Giblin, Rebecca Zuhlke and Kaley Matthews, all posted a perfect 4.0 GPA en route to this exceptional feat.
“We take great pride in our academics,” said USF head coach Warren Bye. “I am very proud of the work these young women have done in the classroom.”
Of the 325 teams in Division I, a total of 158 surpassed the 3.50 GPA plateau. Close behind USF was Belmont University (3.77) and Indiana University (3.72).
