University of Evansville athletics recognized by the NCAA

Two Aces sports earn APR recognition

More than 1,000 Division I sports teams are being recognized for outstanding performance in the classroom and two University of Evansville programs are near the top of that list as the Purple Aces women’s cross country and women’s golf teams have earned recognition.

Based on their most recent multiyear Academic Progress Rate, these teams have earned NCAA Public Recognition Awards for posting scores in the top 10 percent of their sport. The APR is an annual scorecard of academic achievement calculated for all Division I sports teams nationally.

For both UE programs, it marks the seventh year in a row that both have been recognized, making for an amazing accomplishment.

The 1,071 teams publicly recognized for high achievement include 649 women’s teams and 422 men’s or mixed squads. This year, schools combined the indoor and outdoor track and field teams into one team score, which slightly reduced the overall number of teams earning Public Recognition Awards.

The scores required to be in the top 10 ranged from 983 to a perfect 1,000, depending on the sport. Earning a perfect APR score were 944 teams.

“We want to ensure college athletes are getting the most out of their experience, and academics are a top priority in this effort,” said NCAA President Mark Emmert. “The teams honored today earned recognition by making a commitment to success in the classroom as well as in competition. We celebrate their achievement and dedication to preparing themselves for life after college.”

The APR measures eligibility, graduation and retention each term and provides a clear picture of the academic performance for each team in every sport.

The most recent APRs are multiyear rates based on scores from the 2011-2012, 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2014-15 academic years.