NEW ORLEANS – A record total of 23 Sun Belt teams were recognized by the NCAA for outstanding academic achievements as the association published its annual Academic Progress Rate (APR) Public Recognition Awards on Tuesday.
Based on the most recent multiyear APRs, these 23 teams posted scores in the top 10 percent of their sport. The APR is an annual scorecard of academic achievement calculated for all Division I sports teams.
Six Sun Belt institutions – Appalachian State, Arkansas State, Georgia State, ULM, South Alabama, and Texas State – had three teams honored. Troy had two teams recognized while Georgia Southern, Louisiana, and UTA each had one team listed.
The previous Sun Belt record for teams earning the honor was 14 – a total that was tallied each of the last two years.
APR scores for all Division I teams will be released May 10.
The APR measures eligibility, graduation and retention each semester or academic term and provides a clear picture of the academic performance for each team in every sport. All teams must meet an academic threshold of 930 to qualify for the postseason and can face penalties for continued low academic performance.
The most recent APRs are multiyear rates based on scores from the 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16 academic years.
Sun Belt teams earning NCAA APR Public Recognition Awards:
Appalachian State - Women's Golf
Appalachian State - Women's Soccer
Appalachian State - Women's Tennis
Arkansas State - Women's Cross Country
Arkansas State - Women's Golf
Arkansas State - Women's Tennis
Georgia Southern - Women's Volleyball
Georgia State - Men's Soccer
Georgia State - Softball
Georgia State - Women's Golf
Louisiana - Men's Cross Country
ULM - Men's Basketball
ULM - Men's Golf
ULM - Women's Cross Country
South Alabama - Men's Cross Country
South Alabama - Women's Cross Country
South Alabama - Women's Track
UTA - Women's Tennis
Texas State - Women's Cross Country
Texas State - Women's Golf
Texas State - Women's Tennis
Troy - Women's Cross Country
Troy - Women's Golf