Emerson Women’s Basketball Earns Highest GPA in NCAA Division III

Coach Bill Gould talks to the Emerson women's basketball team at the NEWMAC Championship quarterfinals in February 2018. For the second year in a row, the team had the highest average GPA of Division III women's basketball teams. 

For the second year in a row, the Emerson women’s basketball team was recognized by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) for earning the highest cumulative grade-point average (GPA) among NCAA Division III teams.

Together, the Lions had a GPA of 3.712, edging out the number two team, the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, at 3.702.

“We are extremely proud of the academic accomplishment of our women's basketball team,” Emerson Director of Athletics Patricia Nicol said. “They truly exemplify the term 'student athlete,' and for the second year in a row, have demonstrated their commitment to academic excellence while achieving athletic success. Emerson women's basketball continues to be among the elite of more than 442 Division III institutions.”

The WBCA Academic Top 25 recognizes NCAA (National Collegiate Athletics Association) Division I, II, and III, NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), and two-year colleges, inclusive of all student-athletes on their rosters for the entire season.

“The WBCA is pleased to recognize those women’s basketball programs that have committed themselves to excellence on the court and in the classroom,” said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew. “The 119 teams we honor this year strive to achieve all-around success and we commend their efforts.”

Joining Emerson in the Academic Top 25 at number five is fellow New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) member, MIT.

On the court, the Lions went 11-15 on the season, averaging 65.8 points per game. They made it to the NEWMAC Championship quarterfinals, where they lost to Babson College.