COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Simmons University Swimming & Diving squad was named a Scholar All-America Team by the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association after posting the 11th-highest grade point average among NCAA Division III programs following the Spring semester, it was announced by the organization. A record 480 institutions were named to the list, highlighted by Macalester University's women's GPA of 3.79.
The Sharks were one of 185 NCAA Division III institutions to earn the distinction from the CSCAA. Simmons compiled a 3.66 grade point average for the spring semester and boasted 20 student-athletes, who earned a 3.5 or higher GPA for the semester, including two team members with a perfect 4.0. The Sharks earned Scholar All-America honors following the fall semester as well.
CSCAA Executive Director Greg Earhart noted: "Coach (Mindy) Williams consistently produces one of our nation's best academic performers."
A record 777 teams, representing 480 institutions have received Scholar All-America recognition.
To be selected as a CSCAA Scholar All-America Team, programs must have achieved a GPA of 3.00 or higher over the Spring semester.
At 3.45, the median GPA among women's teams was the highest on record.
Founded in 1922, the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) – the first organization of college coaches in America – is a professional organization of college swimming and diving coaches dedicated to serving and providing leadership for the advancement of the sport of swimming & diving at the collegiate level.
Simmons finished the season with an 11-2 record in dual meet competition to establish double-digit victories in each of the last six campaigns, while winning its 15th straight Great Northeast Athletic Conference Championship and the NEISDA crown for the second consecutive season. The Sharks placed 34th in its second straight appearance at the NCAA Division III National Championship on March 21-24 in Greensboro, N.C. Head Coach Mindy Williams was named the Coach of the Year by both NEISDA and GNAC again, while Scholand was named the GNAC Swimming & Diving Athlete of the Year and Singleton was chosen the GNAC Rookie of the Year.