BREAKING: Five athletic programs from East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) have just been honored with prestigious national academic awards, showcasing their exceptional performance both on and off the field. This announcement comes as a testament to the hard work and dedication of ETBU athletes, and is confirmed by the university today.
All five teams, including baseball, men’s tennis, women’s tennis, volleyball, and beach volleyball, not only participated in postseason national tournaments, but four of them also clinched American Southwest Conference (ASC) Championships. This remarkable achievement highlights the synergy between academic excellence and athletic prowess at ETBU.
The standout performances are reflected in their impressive team grade point averages (GPAs):
– Beach Volleyball: 3.76
– Women’s Tennis: 3.70
– Volleyball: 3.69
– Men’s Tennis: 3.62
– Baseball: 3.58
The baseball team, under head coach Jared Hood, has achieved the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Team Academic Excellence award for an astounding 10th consecutive year. They significantly improved their GPA from 3.39 in the previous season, showcasing their commitment to academic achievement alongside sporting success.
Furthermore, the ASC recognized 35 student-athletes from ETBU for their academic accomplishments, each boasting a GPA of 3.0 or higher. ETBU’s baseball team also claimed the ASC Tournament Championship and successfully hosted the NCAA Marshall, Texas Regional Tournament, where they competed fiercely for the championship title.
In men’s tennis, the team secured the ITA All-Academic Team Award for the third consecutive year, with nine players earning the ITA Scholar-Athlete distinction. Their GPA of 3.62 reflects a strong academic commitment, particularly notable during the spring season when they won their first ASC Tournament Championship.
Women’s tennis celebrated its 10th consecutive year of receiving the ITA All-Academic Team Award, achieving a remarkable 3.70 GPA for the season while posting an impressive 3.78 GPA in the spring. Six student-athletes from the team were also recognized as ITA Scholar-Athletes, underscoring the dual commitment to excellence in sports and academics.
The volleyball program marked its sixth year of receiving the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award, maintaining a strong 3.69 GPA overall and an exceptional 3.83 GPA during the spring semester. They were also named to the Team Academic Honor Roll, ranking in the top 20% of NCAA Division III teams.
Beach volleyball, in its third year, also achieved significant success, leading ETBU Athletics with a remarkable 3.76 GPA and earning the AVCA Team Academic Award under head coach Allison Kuster. Their academic achievements coincide with their participation in the AVCA Small College National Tournament, marking a continuing trajectory of excellence.
These achievements are not only reflective of the teams’ dedication but also highlight the supportive environment fostered at East Texas Baptist University. As the university celebrates this success, they look forward to continuing this trend of excellence in both academics and athletics.
As these teams prepare for future competitions, all eyes will be on ETBU to see how they build upon this incredible success. Stay tuned for more updates on ETBU’s athletic programs as they strive for excellence in the upcoming seasons.