Limestone Student-Athletes Lead Nation In Academic Achievement

Limestone College student-athletes are not only some of the best in the nation on the playing fields and courts, but they are now tops in NCAA Division II in the classroom as well.

That was made evident when it was announced recently that Limestone placed a national-best 189 student-athletes on the 2017-18 Division II Athletics Directors Association (D2 ADA) Academic Achievement Award list.

“This is another national championship for our student athletes that we want to celebrate,” said Limestone College President Dr. Darrell Parker. “I join with the entire Limestone community in congratulating the exceptional student-athletes who were honored, as well as our Athletics administration and the coaches who guide our young men and women. Our student-athletes are driven to succeed both academically and athletically, and these honors are an indication of their excellent work. Of course, none of this would be possible if not for the fact that Limestone also has some of the finest faculty members in the nation who educate our students.”

In order for a student-athlete to earn an Academic Achievement Award, the athletics director of the Division II institution must be a current dues-paying member of the organization. In addition, the student-athlete must have a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, must have attended a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college level work, and must have been an active member of an intercollegiate team during his/her last academic year.

“This recognition speaks to the dedication of our coaches and our faculty,” said Mike Cerino, Limestone’s Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. “To lead the nation in the number of student-athletes on this awards list is just tremendous for Limestone College. This recognition of our athletes on a national level once again reflects our commitment to academic success. Our coaching staffs, our faculty, and our academic support enable us to attain this level of achievement on a consistent basis.”

A total of 10,219 student-athletes from 165 different institutions were recognized for the 2017-18 Academic Achievement Award. Conference Carolinas had 517 athletes from six institutions awarded. As for other recipients from Conference Carolinas, King University had 87 make the list, followed by University of Mount Olive with 78, Belmont Abbey College with 64, Lees-McRae College with 56, and Barton College with 43.