NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State student-athletes continue to persevere in the classroom despite many academic challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as they posted a semester departmental grade-point average (GPA) of 3.36 during the Fall 2020 semester, as announced by Assistant Athletics Director for Academics and Life Skills Joe Klausner on Friday.
"Our Redbirds had a great fall semester in the classroom, and they should be extremely proud of their efforts academically," Klausner said. "I would like to thank our student-athletes for their hard work and ability to adapt. Squarely in a pandemic and not being able to navigate life as normal has provided unique challenges for so many students across the country including our Redbirds. This past fall semester, our student-athletes illustrated tremendous discipline and perseverance during this unprecedented time. Even without athletic seasons to look forward to during the fall semester, our student-athletes showed resilience and illustrated they will compete in all aspects of their lives."
ISU's women's programs combined for a 3.60 cumulative GPA and the Illinois State men's teams combined to earn a 3.12 GPA. The women's tennis (3.82) and men's tennis (3.66) teams were the GPA award winners for highest marks among the women's and men's programs, respectively.
A total of 345 Redbird student-athletes were named to the AFNI Honor Roll, accounting for 74 percent of the group. Additionally, a total of 133 student-athletes posted perfect 4.0 GPAs during the fall semester.
"There are so many to thank who have supported the academic efforts of our Redbirds, but a big thank you goes to the staff at the Karin L. Bone Athletics Study Center for their tireless efforts," Klausner continued. "A big thank you also goes out to the many instructors on campus for their willingness to provide grace when working with students and their unique situations. Our Redbirds are special, and I look forward to watching their continued successes in and out of the classroom."
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