Posted: Feb 05, 2024
NEW ORLEANS, La. - The Saint Mary's cross country team along with team member Amanda Tracy were recognized for their academic success in the Fall 2023 semester by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
The team posted a 3.649 cumulative grade point average for the fall semester to earn All-Academic Team honors. Eight members of the team registered at least a 3.8 during the academic term, and three Belles boasted a 4.0 for the Fall 2023 semester. In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, teams must have a cumulative GPA of 3.1 on a 4.0 scale, including the most recent grading period.
"I am so proud of this team and all they have accomplished in the classroom this fall," said head coach Jackie Bauters. "This is one of the most committed, diligent, and ambitious groups I've had. While I am not surprised by their successes, I am very impressed! We have a lot of athletes with rigorous majors, and it is really inspiring to watch them keep up with their academics while being in competitive athletics."
Saint Mary's joins all other eight Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association women's cross country programs on the 2023 list.
Additionally, Amanda Tracy garnered All-Academic Athlete recognition from the USTFCCCA for the 2023 season. Tracy capped off a stellar season with a 61st place finish at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional in November and surpassed the academic qualification to earn the honor. In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, student-athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30 on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top-25 percent of their respective regional championship meet.
"I am also so happy to see Amanda Tracy receive individual academic regional honors. She is one of the most self-disciplined and hardest working athletes I've coached. Her work ethic and drive have positively impacted our entire team academically and athletically. This recognition is a reflection of all of the contributions she has brought to the team on and off the course."
The senior co-captain is the first Saint Mary's runner to earn the academic honor since the 2019 season.
"I am so proud of this team and all they have accomplished in the classroom this fall," said head coach Jackie Bauters. "This is one of the most committed, diligent, and ambitious groups I've had. While I am not surprised by their successes, I am very impressed! We have a lot of athletes with rigorous majors, and it is really inspiring to watch them keep up with their academics while being in competitive athletics."
Saint Mary's joins all other eight Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association women's cross country programs on the 2023 list.
Additionally, Amanda Tracy garnered All-Academic Athlete recognition from the USTFCCCA for the 2023 season. Tracy capped off a stellar season with a 61st place finish at the NCAA Great Lakes Regional in November and surpassed the academic qualification to earn the honor. In order to qualify for All-Academic distinction, student-athletes must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.30 on a 4.0 scale and finish in the top-25 percent of their respective regional championship meet.
"I am also so happy to see Amanda Tracy receive individual academic regional honors. She is one of the most self-disciplined and hardest working athletes I've coached. Her work ethic and drive have positively impacted our entire team academically and athletically. This recognition is a reflection of all of the contributions she has brought to the team on and off the course."
The senior co-captain is the first Saint Mary's runner to earn the academic honor since the 2019 season.
The full lists of both awards can be found on the USTFCCCA website here.