Four Redbird Teams Repeat With NCAA Public Recognition Awards

INDIANAPOLIS – The Illinois State baseball, women's golf, softball and volleyball programs were honored with NCAA Public Recognition Awards for achievement in the latest multiyear Academic Progress Rates (APR) announced Tuesday by the NCAA. All four of these teams received the same honor last year.  The most recent APRs are multiyear rates based on scores from the 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 academic years.

The Redbird volleyball program, led by head coach Leah Johnson, ranked in the top-10 percent of its sport for the fifth time and for the fourth-consecutive year. The women's golf program, led by Breanne Hall, earned the recognition for the fifth time and second-consecutive year.  The Redbird softball and baseball programs both earned their second appearances in as many years on this exclusive list.

"It's an honor that several of our athletic programs are being recognized for this tremendous achievement.  At Illinois State, our student-athletes strive to excel not only in their competitive environment, but also in the classroom and community," ISU women's golf head coach Breanne Hall said. "Much of this credit goes to our extraordinary study center staff and academic advisors who hold our student-athletes accountable and truly care for their overall well-being. I am proud of my team for being recognized again this year. We miss several Monday and Tuesday classes due tournaments. Continuing to be successful in the classroom speaks volumes about their drive and commitment to uphold our program's standard of excellence."  

The APR is an annual scorecard of academic achievement calculated for all Division I sports teams. Largely as a result of an increase in perfect scores, teams earning Public Recognition Awards increased to 1,380up by 52 from the previous academic year. APRs for programs in the top 10% ranged from 987 to a perfect 1,000, and the number of teams posting perfect scores increased to 1,266, marking an increase of 52 teams from last year.

"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," NCAA President Mark Emmert said. "Congratulations to these teams for their continued academic success."

Of the teams recognized, 499 competed in men's or mixed sports and 881 competed in women's sports. Every women's team earning a Public Recognition Award this year also earned a perfect score.

"I am especially proud of the success in women's sports," Emmert said. "The achievement in women's athletics is so high that scoring in the top 10% of your sport now requires a perfect score."

APR scores for all Division I teams will be released May 19. The APR measures eligibility, graduation and retention each semester or academic term and provides a clear picture of the ongoing 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. 

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