HOUSTON – Student-athletes at the University of St. Thomas excelled in the classroom during the 2019-20 academic year, as more than 170 athletes at the college combined for a cumulative grade-point average of 3.4592 by the end of the spring semester.

The spring sports season came to an abrupt end in March when campuses across the nation shut down due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Classes continued after students left the UST campus, but went entirely online, bringing a sudden change to many students and student-athletes.

"Many times in life, success depends on how well you handle adversity. This spring, our student-athletes showed their ability to deal anything," UST Athletic Director Todd Smith said. "They persevered through a pandemic, self-isolation, a full-time online education and shortened seasons. We are very proud of how our UST student-athletes focused and responded in the classroom this spring."

The 3.46 cumulative athletic GPA is the highest in the modern history of the UST athletics program.

UST's tennis teams recorded the highest GPAs of any of the university's teams. The women's team combined for a 3.58 GPA, while the men's team recorded a 3.45 GPA.

"I am so happy for both teams and to see their hard work off the court being recognized," Jack Brasington, head coach for both the men's and women's tennis teams said. "This is quite an accomplishment since we are a first-year program."

The Celts' volleyball and women's soccer teams were next, as they turned in cumulative GPAs of 3.30 and 3.26, respectively.