With the release of the latest academic data from Villanova Athletics over the past couple of months, Villanova student-athletes have proven to be excellent both in competition and in the classroom, earning a department grade point average of 3.491 for the Fall 2024 semester.
“Our athletes are known for their commitment to both academic and athletic excellence,” Director of Academic Support for Athletes Jennifer Brophy said. “Each of our athletes really embody the Athletic Department’s core values of discipline, teamwork and leadership.”
This latest achievement marks the 43rd consecutive semester in which Villanova athletes average a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and the 14th semester in which they average above a 3.3.
“It’s all about time allocation and focusing your mind on what you’re doing,” sophomore swimmer and computer engineering major Justin Nowicki said. “When I am at practice, I am focused on swimming and how I can get better in the pool. When I am in class or doing work, I am focused on the respective class and getting better in the classroom. You have to consider what you want to achieve in different sectors of your life and find a balance for you and towards your goals.”
High grades also translate into high graduation rates. Villanova is one of only 23 schools across the country to have a score of 98% or higher in the NCAA Graduation Success Rate. Villanova’s scores are among the highest in the Big East. Villanova matches those of other prestigious schools, including six out of eight of the Ivy League universities.
“The Athletic Department and coaches understand the importance of academics,” Brophy said. “We offer personalized support, academic resources, and mentorship to help them thrive both academically and athletically. This holistic approach ensures that student-athletes are prepared not only to excel in their sport but to lead and succeed beyond their time at Villanova.”
Out of the 24 varsity sports teams, 11 teams had an average GPA of 3.5 or higher, with the field hockey team topping the list at 3.739. Field hockey’s academic achievements were even ranked amongst the best in the country, tying for the most NFHCA National Academic Squad recognitions in the country with Monmouth and Brown with 22 recipients.
Closely behind the field hockey team is water polo (3.719), golf (3.712), women’s swimming & diving (3.704) and women’s soccer (3.699).
“The academic support staff within the Athletic Department is incredible,” senior golfer and applied quantitative finance major Vimal Alokam said. “It starts freshman year with weekly meetings to get new student-athletes their feet under them and it continues all the way through senior year. I think our team’s success is largely due to the great culture that has been established by our coaches and previous teammates, as well as support from the rest of the athletic department.”
Individually, 86% of student-athletes had a fall GPA of 3.0 or higher, while 77% were named to the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll with a GPA of 3.2 or above. Additionally, 59% were named to the Dean’s List with a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
“It requires a constant commitment to time management, focus, and balance,” junior diver and nursing major Alexa Fegley said. “My days often start early with lift and dive practice, followed by nursing classes and then back to studying. It’s a packed schedule, but I thrive in that kind of structure.”
Across 18 sports, 54 athletes achieved a 4.0 GPA in the fall, led by rowing and women’s soccer with six each. Each of these athletes were honored during the halftime of a men’s basketball game.
On February 13, water polo senior attacker Emma Grabenstetter, a double major in peace and justice and political science, was one of the athletes recognized for her academic achievements.
“Excelling both in and out of the pool requires a lot of time management skills, as well as perseverance and passion,” Grabenstetter said. “Being a student-athlete can always have its hard times and can get exhausting, but reminding myself of why I do it is very important.”
