Success in academics for the University of Louisville student-athletes continues at a high level, reflected in recent national graduation rates released Wednesday by the NCAA.
UofL student-athletes combined for a record 86 percent graduation rate in the Graduation Success Rate (GSR) Report, which was developed 13 years ago to account for transfers into the university that graduate and those who leave in good academic standing.
The Cardinals’ GSR, most recently reported for freshmen who entered in the 2010-11 academic year, has risen 20 percent since the reporting began 13 years ago. Thirteen sports — men’s and women’s basketball, women’s cross country/track, field hockey, women’s golf, women’s lacrosse, women’s rowing, women’s soccer, softball, women’s swimming, men’s and women’s tennis, and volleyball — reached a GSR at 85 percent or above in the most recent report. Five teams — Field hockey, women’s golf, women’s tennis, softball, and volleyball — achieved perfect marks. The four-class average for UofL freshmen student-athletes who entered in 2010-11 was 67 percent.
“It’s clear that our student-athletes have invested a great deal of work in their academic pursuits,” said Vince Tyra, UofL Interim Director of Athletics. “There is a strong commitment in place from our academic services staff and coaches to support what is necessary for our student-athletes to achieve in the classroom.”
Six University of Louisville athletic teams — men’s and women’s basketball, football, men’s and women’s golf and men’s tennis – received NCAA Public Recognition Awards for ranking among the top 10 percent nationally in Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores for the most recent four-year period from 2012-16, including five teams with perfect scores. Cardinal athletic teams posted a collective 3.18 GPA during the 2016-17 academic year, with 19 of 23 teams achieving a 3.0 or better for the 2017 spring semester.
by Kenny Klein
