CEDAR CITY, Utah - In the world of collegiate gymnastics, athleticism and grace go hand in hand. However, beyond the flips and twirls, there is another aspect that often goes unnoticed but is equally crucial: academic excellence. The Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) recognizes this blend of athleticism and scholastic achievement through its annual Academic All-American Awards. The 2023 season for the Flippin' Birds brought forth remarkable achievements. Southern Utah University's gymnastics team took the spotlight by securing a Conference Championship as well as an impressive 86 percent of its gymnasts earning the distinction of Academic All-American.
Head Coach Scott Bauman Said
"We take immense pride in our athletes' unwavering commitment to excellence, both on the mat and in their academic pursuits. The recognition of 25 of our gymnasts as Academic All-Americans is a true testament to their dedication and hard work. It's an honor to be part of a team that values the balance between sports and education, and we will continue to foster an environment that encourages our athletes to shine in all aspects of their collegiate journey."
The announcement of the Academic All-American Awards for the 2023 season brought into focus the commendable commitment of collegiate gymnasts to their studies. On Southern Utah University's team, a staggering 86 percent earned the prestigious honor of being named Academic All-Americans. This remarkable feat landed the Thunderbirds in the 11th spot nationwide for the highest percentage of athletes receiving this honor.
Moreover, Southern Utah University soared among the top 20 teams in terms of team Grade Point Average (GPA). This dual success not only showcases the Thunderbirds' prowess on the gymnastics mat but also underscores their dedication to maintaining high academic standards.
Across the entire spectrum of collegiate gymnastics, a total of 1,075 student-athletes achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher on the 4.0 scale, constituting a significant 68.65 percent of all reporting gymnasts. Impressively, 228 student-athletes (14.56 percent) boasted a flawless 4.0 GPA. This year marked the third consecutive year with over 1,000 Scholastic All-America winners, a testament to the consistent dedication of collegiate gymnasts to their academic pursuits.
Diving deeper into the statistics, the average GPA across all gymnasts in the 2023 season stood at an admirable 3.5685. This figure solidified the 2023 season as the third-highest average GPA. Additionally, a total of 54 institutions boasted a team GPA of 3.5 or better, further underscoring the significant achievement of a spot in the top 20.
One remarkable trend that emerges from the WCGA Academic All-American Awards is the consistent rise in academic performance among collegiate gymnastics teams. The fact that four of the top five universities broke into the lineup for the first time ever attests to the growing emphasis on both athletic and academic excellence.
The Academic All-American Honorees
About the WCGA
The Women's Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) is a membership-led, professional association representing the nation's intercollegiate women's gymnastics coaches within Division I, II & III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The WCGA is a 501c(3) nonprofit educational organization.
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