University of Arizona student-athletes continue to raise the bar, proving that their drive to compete extends beyond the field, court, and track and into the classroom. This fall, Arizona's 504 student-athletes achieved a collective GPA of 3.373 – the highest fall semester GPA in the program's history. Additionally, 11 teams posted their highest fall semester GPA on record, and 15 teams improved their semester GPA from the previous year. Every team finished the semester with a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the 14th consecutive semester.

"Our Wildcat student-athletes are an immense source of excitement and Wildcat spirit for the University of Arizona and for our community of supporters," said U of A President Suresh Garimella. "We take great pride in their excellence on the field of play, but above all they are students and their academic success is a win for our faculty and staff who diligently support their educational goals."

Take Tanvi Narendran on the women's tennis team, for example. While balancing rigorous training sessions and competitive matches, she excelled in her coursework, embodying the drive and discipline that define Arizona Athletics.

As she continues working towards her neuroscience degree, she is looking forward to attending law school and wants to practice law relating to artificial intelligence. 

"It's been such an incredible experience being part of a program that values both academic and athletic success," said Narendran. "At Arizona, I've been challenged to grow in so many ways, and I know I’m leaving here with the tools to succeed in life."

Or Ian Sanchez Lopez from the men's cross country team, who is in his fourth year at U of A and pursuing a computer science degree in the College of Science. He is able to juggle a demanding academic schedule with intense race preparations, finding success in both arenas thanks to the university’s support system for student-athletes.

"I feel blessed to have the opportunity to continue my development in my sport and my studies," said Sanchez Lopez. "I am learning a lot and I love what I am studying. The biggest challenge is to achieve a balance to fulfill both activities, but it is possible thanks to the efforts of many people who are always supporting me."

Coaches across Arizona's programs emphasized the importance of a balanced approach to academics and athletics.

"Our program is about developing well-rounded individuals," said Ryan Stotland, head coach of the Arizona women’s tennis team. "Seeing our student-athletes excel in the classroom and achieve record-breaking GPAs is just as rewarding as their success in competition. It’s a testament to their hard work and the culture we’ve built at Arizona Athletics."

Under the leadership of Vice President and Director of Athletics Desiree Reed-Francois, Arizona Athletics has reinforced its commitment to supporting student-athletes holistically.

"This accomplishment reflects the collective effort of our student-athletes, coaches, academic advisers, and staff," said Reed-Francois. "At Arizona, we strive to ensure that every student-athlete has the resources and support needed to excel in both their athletic and academic endeavors. These skills prepare them for success not just during their time here, but for the rest of their lives."

This academic success also strengthens the university’s ability to attract top talent.

"This level of achievement demonstrates to prospective student-athletes that Arizona is a place where they can excel in both their sport and their studies,” Reed-Francois added. "It's part of what makes Arizona a destination for champions."

Fall 2024 academic success by the numbers

• 390 student-athletes (77.4%) earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• 276 student-athletes (54.8%) earned a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• 128 student-athletes (25.4%) earned a perfect 4.0 GPA, up from 96 in fall 2023.
• Women's Tennis: 3.873 (Highest GPA among all teams)
• Men's Cross Country: 3.622 (Highest GPA among men's teams)