The Western Illinois University women’s basketball team competed well on and off the court during the 2023-24 academic year. Their efforts in the classroom have earned national attention after making the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) 2023-24 Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll.
The Leathernecks posted a team grade point average (GPA) of 3.866 during the 2023-24 year, earning them the No. 2 spot on the WBCA Academic Top 25 Division I Honor Roll. The squad’s cumulative GPA ranked second in all of NCAA Division I women’s basketball, behind only Youngstown State, who earned a 3.868. This year’s ranking also marks a 12-spot jump from last year, after the Leathernecks ranked No. 14 in the nation with a 3.659 GPA during the 2022-23 season.
“Being one of the top academic teams in the nation has become a staple of our program, but finishing second in the nation is truly remarkable,” said Western Illinois women’s basketball coach JD Gravina. “I’m really proud of how hard these student athletes worked in the classroom and really appreciative of all the faculty and academic services that helped support them.
The WBCA Academic Top 25 recognizes NCAA Division I, II, and III, NAIA, and two-year college women’s basketball teams across the nation that carry the highest combined GPAs inclusive of all student-athletes on their rosters for the entire season. The 2023-24 season is the 29th in which the WBCA has compiled the honor rolls.
“The WBCA is pleased to recognize those women’s basketball programs that have committed themselves to excellence on the court and in the classroom,” said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew. “The 112 teams we honor this year strive to achieve all-around success and we commend their efforts. Congratulations!”
***Courtesy of Western Illinois University***
