KENNESAW, Ga. | Jan 5, 2017

13 of 16 teams posted GPAs of 3.0 or better in fall 2016

Led by strong academic performances from men’s tennis and women’s basketball, Kennesaw State enjoyed another successful semester in the classroom this past fall. The Owls combined for a 2.96 cumulative grade point average, and 13 teams recorded GPAs of 3.0 or better.

The team GPA for men’s tennis of 3.64 was the Owls’ best this fall, while women’s basketball set a new program record with a 3.57 GPA. Football and women’s basketball each had four student-athletes post 4.0 GPAs. Nine programs improved their overall GPAs from the fall 2015 semester.

“Our student-athletes did a great job in the classroom this fall, and I am proud of their hard work,” said Randy Kennedy, assistant athletics director for student-athlete services. “We had a large group of new freshmen this fall, and I think they did a great job of establishing a firm academic foundation their first semester. The women’s basketball team had a very impressive semester under new head coach Agnus Berenato, setting a record GPA with four students earning a 4.0.”

Individually, Kristi Piedimonte from the volleyball team was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team and the ASUN All-Academic Team. Soccer’s Abby Roth also earned a spot on the ASUN All-Academic Team, while football’s Chandler Burks was named to the Big South’s All-Academic Team.

Fall 2016 semester by the numbers

· 60 percent of student-athletes earned a 3.0 or higher

· 13 of 16 teams earned a combined 3.0 or higher for the semester

· Overall student-athlete GPA: 2.96

· Top Flight Owls (3.0+ GPA): 229

· Presidential Scholars (4.0 GPA): 26

· Dean's List: 93

· Fall 2016 graduates: 15

· Best semester GPA: men’s tennis, 3.64

· Most 4.0 GPAs: football and women’s basketball, 4

· Highest percentage of 4.0 GPAs: women’s basketball, 36 percent

· Program record GPA: women’s basketball, 3.57

“Vaughn Williams and our coaches place an emphasis on academic excellence, and our student-athletes responded well by working hard in the classroom this semester,” Kennedy said. “I look forward to continued academic success in the spring semester as well.” 

Individually, KSU graduated 15 student-athletes this fall. The graduates continue to take advantage of the FlightPlan, which is focused on student-athletes’ career options and getting them internships to prepare them for life after sports.

To keep up with the latest Kennesaw State athletics news follow the Owls on Twitter @KSUOwlNation or by liking Kennesaw State University on Facebook. Click here for more information on the FlightPlan.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.