FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona University athletics department recorded its highest cumulative grade point average since 1997, recording a 3.16 GPA among its more than 300 student-athletes at the completion of the fall semester.

“Once again our student-athletes show that they truly are students first and this report reflects their commitment to earning their degree,” said Athletics Director Jim Fallis. “I am proud of their commitment to the NAU philosophies of academics, athletics and service.”

The Lumberjacks had 11 of the 15 intercollegiate teams record a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher led by women's soccer at 3.42. Women's basketball was close behind at 3.39, followed by women's cross country (3.35), women's golf (3.29), swimming and diving (3.25) volleyball (3.22) and men's cross country (3.19).

The women's cross country team had the best semester GPA at 3.42, followed closely women's golf (3.40), women's basketball (33.39) and volleyball (3.31). Overall, 10 of the 14 teams had a 3.0 or higher semester GPA.

Overall, 44 student-athletes earned a 4.0 GPA for the semester, representing 14 of the 15 squads. The soccer team led the department with eight student-athletes with a 4.0 GPA for the semester.

The student-athletes recorded a 3.0 GPA overall for the fall semester, the fifth time in the last six semesters the department has had a 3.0 or better GPA for the semester.

The Lumberjacks' 3.16 cumulative GPA was the highest since department grades have been tracked starting in 1997 and marked the 11th semester in the last 12 overall the NAU student-athletes have recorded a 3.00 cumulative GPA. Since 1998, NAU student athletes have earned a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher in 21 of the 23 semesters.

Recently, 45 student-athletes were recognized with selection to the Big Sky All-Academic teams for the fall semester.

The NAU athletics department also contributed more than 1,500 community service hours during the fall semester.

The department's academic efforts are led by Interim Assistant Athletics Director for Academics Pam Lowie and Academic Coordinator Diana Ulrey.

2009 Fall Semester GPA Rankings
Women's Cross Country 3.42
Golf 3.40
Women's Basketball 3.39
Volleyball 3.31
Soccer 3.28
Swimming & Diving 3.24
Men's Cross Country 3.22
Men's Outdoor Track and Field 3.05
Women's Outdoor Track and Field 3.04
Women's Indoor Track And Field 3.03
Men's Indoor Track and Field 2.97
Men's Tennis 2.96
Women's Tennis 2.90
Men's Basketball 2.87
Football 2.58

2009 Fall Cumulative GPA Rankings
Soccer 3.42
Women's Basketball 3.39
Women's Cross Country 3.35
Golf 3.29
Swimming & Diving 3.25
Volleyball 3.22
Men's Cross Country 3.19
Men's Outdoor Track and Field 3.13
Men's Indoor Track and Field 3.11
Women's Outdoor Track and Field 3.09
Women's Indoor Track And Field 3.09
Men's Tennis 2.97
Men's Basketball 2.92
Women's Tennis 2.89
Football 2.73