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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The University of Tennessee Southern continued its tradition of academic excellence during the 2025-26 academic year, with 16 athletic programs earning NAIA Scholar-Team recognition.
To earn NAIA Scholar-Team honors, programs must achieve a team grade-point average of 3.0 or higher for the academic year. The Firehawks had 16 programs meet or exceed that benchmark, highlighting the department's commitment to success both in competition and in the classroom.
Leading the way for UT Southern was Women's Golf, which posted a team GPA of 3.60. Men's Golf and Women's Outdoor Track & Field followed closely behind with matching 3.57 GPAs, while Women's Soccer recorded a 3.54 GPA and Women's Cross Country finished at 3.52.
"Our student-athletes continue to demonstrate that excellence extends far beyond the playing surface," said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Brandie Paul. "Having 16 programs recognized as NAIA Scholar Teams is a tremendous accomplishment and reflects the dedication, discipline, and commitment our student-athletes bring to their academic pursuits every day. We are proud of the culture our coaches have created and grateful for the support provided by our faculty and staff in helping our student-athletes succeed."
The Scholar-Team recognition adds to another impressive academic year for the Firehawks. UT Southern posted a 3.238 overall athletic department GPA, including a 3.270 GPA among varsity programs, while continuing to raise the standard academically across the department.
UT Southern Scholar Teams (2025-26)
- Women's Golf – 3.60
- Men's Golf – 3.57
- Women's Outdoor Track & Field – 3.57
- Women's Soccer – 3.54
- Women's Cross Country – 3.52
- Women's Tennis – 3.43
- Men's Tennis – 3.43
- Men's Swimming – 3.39
- Softball – 3.35
- Women's Swimming – 3.32
- Men's Soccer – 3.31
- Women's Volleyball – 3.27
- Men's Cross Country – 3.22
- Baseball – 3.14
- Cheerleading – 3.07
- Men's Outdoor Track & Field – 3.03
By The Numbers
16 – Firehawk programs earned NAIA Scholar-Team recognition.
3.60 – Women's Golf recorded the highest GPA among all UT Southern programs.
5 – Five Firehawk programs finished the year with a GPA of 3.50 or higher.
3.238 – UT Southern's overall athletic department GPA during the 2025-26 academic year.
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