HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Excellence in their academic endeavors has become a tradition among Northern Kentucky University's student-athletes, and that culture continued in the 2021 spring semester as the Norse registered a department-wide 3.42 cumulative GPA.
 
"Our student-athletes continue to impress us all in so many ways," said Ken Bothof, director of athletics. "Not only did they navigate the hurdles imposed by the COVID-19 Pandemic this season with grace, but they also experienced tremendous success in both the classroom and in competition. It is truly inspiring to watch them excel in the face of adversity and continue achieving academically at such a high level."
 
The GPA posted by NKU's approximately 225 student-athletes this spring extends a multitude of trends:

• 20-straight semesters with at least a 3.0 GPA
• 14-straight semesters at or above a 3.2 GPA
• 8-straight with at least a 3.37 GPA

 
Seven programs registered GPAs of at least 3.50, led by women's tennis at 3.75. Volleyball (3.63), women's track & field (3.62), women's soccer (3.60), women's cross country (3.52), women's basketball (3.52) and softball (3.50) also reached the mark. Men's tennis registered a 3.48, highest among the men's programs.
 
A total of 24 Norse student-athletes posted a perfect 4.0 GPA and another 80 scored Dean's List recognition with marks between 3.6-3.99.
 
Five Norse were honored during Northern Kentucky University's yearly academic awards and commencement. Felipe Hidalgo (men's tennis) was not only named the Outstanding Undergraduate Student in Global Supply Chain Management, but also received the President's Award. Faith Howard of the softball program earned the University Service Award. Men's tennis was also represented by Nick Elleman, who served as the College of Informatics commencement speaker and earned recognition as the Outstanding BIS Senior. Women's basketball's Kailey Coffey picked up the ACS Analytical Chemistry Award, and volleyball's Kaelin Gentile received the Academic Excellence in Psychological Science Award.
 
"The academic success we continue to see each and every semester is a testament to the character of our student-athletes, commitment of our coaches to recruiting the best athletically and academically prepared individuals, and to our academic advisors who go above and beyond to assist them," said Debbie Kirch, associate athletics director for compliance and student-services. "I'd like to thank Alyssa Matthews, Nia Dowdy and Michael Lockard for their commitment to the betterment of our student-athletes."
 
At commencement this spring, 37 student-athletes were awarded degrees. Three more anticipate graduating this summer.
 
Spring 2021 Graduates
Baseball (5): Griffin Doersching, Sam Hedges, Bryson Lonsbury, JT McGee, Jacob Pease
Men's Basketball (2): Paul Djoko, Adham Eleeda
Women's Basketball (4): Kailey Coffey, Jazmyne Geist, Janna Lewis, Grayson Rose
Women's Cross Country/Track & Field (4): Megan Kappen, Brianna Pack, Olivia Schalk, Jenna Tracy
Men's Golf (4): Joseph Clark, Ty Debonis, Logan Griffin, Jacob Vrolijk
Women's Golf (2): Kathryn Doss, Lillian Young
Men's Soccer (1): Justin Earle
Women's Soccer (2): Kailey Ivins, Emma Von Lehman
Softball (5): Josie Frazier, Faith Howard, Ava Lawson, Kailey Rossiter, Hailey Whitmer
Men's Tennis (3): Nick Elleman, Felipe Hidalgo, Jorge Rodriguez
Women's Tennis (2): Maria Koo, Hannah Watton
Volleyball (3): Peytton Bagwell, Kaelin Gentile, Ashton Terrill
 
Summer 2021 Graduates
Baseball (2): Kurt Lange, Kaleb Meeks
Softball (1): Madi Mulder