Jacksonville University student-athletes have set a new standard for excellence, not only in their respective sports but also in the classroom. Fall 2024 was a landmark semester for JU Athletics, with the department achieving a record-breaking 3.53 GPA. This milestone not only set a new all-time high but also marked the first time in university history that the department surpassed the 3.5 benchmark, solidifying its commitment to academic excellence.
Athletic Director Ricker-Gilbert commented on the achievement, saying, "Our student-athletes continue to set new standards in the classroom. College athletics has changed a great deal in the last several years, but our commitment to the holistic development of our student-athletes remains paramount to our success. Our coaches and Student-Athlete Services team, led by Andy Heston, have created a culture where academics and preparation for life after sports is, and will always be, a core value."
Five programs reached record-setting GPAs this semester: Baseball, Men's Soccer, Men's Rowing, and Softball. Volleyball recorded its best fall GPA ever. Impressively, all JU programs finished in the top half of their historical GPA marks, with most ranking in the top 25% in program history. Every JU sports program posted a GPA above 3.0, with 88% of teams achieving GPAs above 3.3—the highest percentage in department history. Additionally, two-thirds of teams exceeded a 3.5 GPA, while half of JU teams recorded GPAs above a 3.6, setting new departmental benchmarks.
Under the leadership of Ricker-Gilbert, men's team GPAs have steadily risen, increasing by roughly half a letter grade since his tenure began including a quarter-letter improvement over the past five years.
JU student-athletes recorded a department-high "A grade" rate of 66%, while also pursuing 50 different undergraduate and graduate programs, a first for the department. In addition, the GPA of both freshmen and transfer student-athletes exceeded 3.5 for the third consecutive semester, demonstrating consistent academic success across the board.
In their first year, head coaches Alicia Roth (Volleyball) and Ryan Moon (Women's Soccer) have driven significant improvements in academic performance. Notably, these teams have seen an increasing number of student-athletes pursuing graduate degrees, highlighting JU Athletics' emphasis on academic and professional development.
These academic achievements exemplify the powerful connection between success in sports and excellence in academics, reflecting the Jacksonville athletic department's vision of fostering the holistic development of student-athletes both on and off the field.
