Four athletics teams honored by NCAA

Four athletic teams from Valparaiso University have received the NCAA Public Recognition Award for outstanding academic performance.

The NCAA announced that the volleyball, softball, baseball, and men’s tennis teams each received the honor.

The award is presented to teams that have an NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate in the top 10 percent of all teams in their respective sport. The calculation of APR tracks the academic progress of each student-athlete and includes eligibility, retention and graduation.

“Our student-athletes continue to display excellence in the classroom, and I am so proud of them,” Valparaiso University President Mark A. Heckler said. “Division I athletics is an integral component of the student experience at Valpo. And we remain dedicated to providing our student-athletes with educational opportunities of the highest quality.”

In April, 99 student-athletes received Presidential Academic Honors in recognition of earning a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 or higher after at least three semesters at Valpo. In addition, two graduating seniors — cross country and track and field athlete Chris Bednarczyk and baseball player Steve Godawa — completed their college careers with a grade point average of 3.9 or higher.

“We are very proud of our student-athletes for demonstrating year in and year out that they are committed to succeeding as both students and athletes,” Valpo Director of Athletics Mark LaBarbera said.

This is the sixth straight year the Crusaders volleyball team has received the Public Recognition Award, the third straight year for softball and men’s tennis, and the second straight year for baseball.

With four teams honored, Valpo joins Butler with the second-highest total in the Horizon League.