University of St. Thomas Athletics
Tommies' classroom success continues into Division I
1/20/2022 10:00:00 AM | Athletics
3.41 grade-point average last semester for 500-plus student-athletes
University of St. Thomas' move into Division I competition last fall has led to more intensity on the field of play, as well as additional time demands for student athletes.
But the new landscape hasn't changed Tommie student-athletes' focus and success in the classroom.
That continued high standard was reflected again in the athletic department's overall grade-point average of 3.41 for last fall semester.
"Comprehensive Excellence will continue to be the barometer of success for the Tommies as we transition to Division I, and our student-athletes demonstrated their commitment to their academics again last semester," said Phil Esten, Vice-President and Director of Athletics. "I'm very proud of their collective efforts, both in their competitive venues and in the classroom."
Michelle Smith-Ware, Director of Academic Support Services for Athletics, said that St. Thomas student-athletes continue to show a focus and a resiliency in their academic pursuits.
"The move into Division I has created a year of unprecedented change, as well as opportunities for all Tommie student-athletes to demonstrate their commitment to be students first," Smith-Ware said. "We are so proud of their strong focus in the classroom as they continue preparing for their futures after St. Thomas."
Coming into 2022, out of 505 current Tommie student-athletes, 270 individuals hold a cumulative gpa of 3.50 or better. That includes 30 that have a perfect 4.00 record; 78 others with a 3.90 or better gpa; and another 115 with a cumulative gpa of 3.80 or better.
The 30 student-athletes that hold a 4.00 include individuals in grad programs in Engineering, Software and Health Care Innovation, as well as Tommies majoring in Biology, Actuarial Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Exercise Science, Management, Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Social Work, Environmental Studies and Data Analytics.
St. Thomas has 90 students signed to join Tommie teams next season, most from the high school Class of 2022. That group has a combined high school gpa above 3.70.
More Highlights:
- Twelve of the 19 St. Thomas teams recorded a team gpa of 3.40 or better last fall term, led by Women's Soccer at 3.71. That sport has eight players with cumulative gpas of 4.00 and six others at 3.90 or better. Coach Sheila McGill's 12-player freshman class has a combined gpa of 3.90.
- Women's Swim-Dive has five individuals with 4.00 gpas and five others with 3.90 or better gpas
- Women's Basketball has two players with 4.00 gpas and six others with 3.90 or better gpas, and Coach Ruth Sinn's starting five has a combined 3.67 gpa
- Men's Basketball's top eight rotation has a combined gpa of 3.46
- Men's Track and Field has three individuals with 4.00 gpas and three others with 3.90 or better gpas.
