Photo by Nathan Latil, UM Brand Photography
OXFORD, Miss. — Three Ole Miss teams have been recognized among the elite academic programs in the country in their sport with the NCAA’s announcement of the public recognition awards on Wednesday. The Ole Miss women’s cross country, women’s golf and women’s volleyball teams received the prestigious honor for their latest Academic Progress Rates (APR).
The teams that are recognized posted multi-year APRs in the top 10 percent of all squads in each sport. All three Rebel teams posted a perfect 1000.
Among Southeastern Conference institutions, Ole Miss’ total of three teams is tied for third in the number of its programs to win the award this year.
“Graduation and retention are key markers of academic and athletic success,” said senior associated athletics director Derek Cowherd. “Overall, we are pleased with the work of our staff, coaches, and our student-athletes who continue to move towards graduating at a higher percentage. Our goal is to consistently post a strong number of teams in the top 10 percent of all institutions in graduation and retention.”
Each year the NCAA honors selected Division I sports teams by publicly recognizing their latest multi-year APR. This announcement is part of the overall Division I academic reform effort and is intended to highlight teams who demonstrate a commitment to academic progress and retention of student-athletes by achieving the top APRs within their respective sports.
A model of consistency in the classroom, Michele Drinkard’s women’s golf team makes the list for the sixth straight year. This year, Ole Miss is among 98 Division I women’s golf teams and five SEC squads to earn the distinction.
Volleyball earned the award for the third time and second year in a row. The Rebels are one of 66 Division I programs and only two SEC teams to earn the recognition.
Women’s cross country received this recognition for the second year in a row. The Rebel runners are one of 80 Division I women’s cross country teams and four from the SEC to make the list.
Multiyear APRs for all Division I sports teams, including the teams receiving public recognition, will be announced May 14. That announcement also will include APP penalties for low-performing teams, teams subject to postseason ineligibility and head coach APRs.