Columbia News

Three women’s sports programs at the University of Missouri, including basketball, tennis, and cross country, have been recognized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) for their academic achievements during the 2018-19 academic year. Each program achieved a perfect Academic Progress Rate (APR) score of 1,000.

"Academic success is a critical component of Mizzou Athletics' Win it Right mission, and these awards demonstrate a commitment to classroom excellence by our student-athletes, coaches and Mizzou Made staff," said Mizzou Director of Athletics Jim Sterk. "We are incredibly grateful for the critical role Mizzou's faculty plays in the education of our 550 student-athletes and appreciate the positive learning environments they provide to all Mizzou students."

The women’s tennis team received this honor for the fifth consecutive year. The basketball program earned its second straight award and sixth overall. The cross country team was recognized for the first time since 2005-06, marking its fourth overall award. Over 15 years, Missouri’s athletics department has accumulated 51 NCAA Public Recognition Awards across 13 different sports.

Within the Southeastern Conference (SEC), member schools collectively set a new record with 65 Public Recognition Awards based on APR scores for 2018-19.

Of Missouri’s 18 teams tracked by APR, 16 either matched or improved their multi-year scores compared to the previous academic year. Notably, baseball saw its score rise from 959 to 974 and women’s cross country improved from 989 to a perfect 1,000.

Across NCAA Division I institutions nationwide, a total of 1,380 teams representing 326 schools were honored after ranking in the top ten percent within their respective sports based on APR results.

The NCAA calculates APR annually for every Division I sport as an indicator of academic achievement. The measure accounts for athlete eligibility, graduation rates, and retention each semester or term. Teams must maintain an APR score of at least 930 to qualify for postseason play; those falling below may face penalties due to low academic performance.