WLAX Earns NCAA APR Distinction
May 20 | Women's Lacrosse
PISCATAWAY, N.J. --The Rutgers University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics received public recognition today from the NCAA in women's lacrosse, earning citations for the program's multi-year Academic Progress Rate (APR) score.
"We are so proud of our students for what they have accomplished," said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Julie Hermann. "Graduating our students is our top priority."
"It is a great tribute for the men, women and teams to be recognized by the NCAA for their academic performance," added Scott Walker, Rutgers' Director of Academic Support Services. "To be ranked among the top 10 percent in APR is a testament to the commitment of our students and shows the hard work they put forth."
The APR provides a real-time look at a team's academic success each semester by tracking the academic progress of each student on scholarship. The APR accounts for eligibility, retention and graduation and provides a measure of each team's academic performance.
Rutgers women's lacrosse earned an APR Public Recognition Award in each of the last three seasons dating back to the 2011-12 academic year. The program has a longstanding history of academic success and has also earned distinction as an Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Academic Honor squad for eight consecutive years.
The Scarlet Knights concluded their first season in the Big Ten by hosting the inaugural Big Ten Women's Lacrosse Tournament at High Point Solutions Stadium. Rutgers closed the regular season with a league win over Michigan, 7-6, on April 26, led by redshirt senior midfielder Lauren Sbrilli (Martinsville, N.J) who had two goals and the game-winner.
Sbrilli, an IWLCA Mid-Atlantic Second Team and All-Big Ten selection, led Rutgers in nearly every offensive category in 2015, including goals (36), shots (95) and points (42).
"We continue to be proud of our strong academic tradition," said Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Laura Brand-Sias. "I'm constantly impressed with the work ethic of our players and staff to maintain our progress in the classroom. This is a true testament to all of their hard work."
Each year, the NCAA honors selected Division I sports teams by publicly recognizing their latest multiyear NCAA Division I APR. This announcement is part of the overall Division I academic reform effort and is intended to highlight teams that demonstrate a commitment to academic progress and retention of students by achieving the top APRs within their respective sports. Specifically, these teams posted multi-year APRs in the top 10 percent of all squads in each sport.
Follow Rutgers Athletics on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RutgersAthletics) and Twitter (@RUAthletics) for all of the latest news and updates. Fans can receive timely information, including special offers and giveaways throughout the year on our social media outlets along with www.ScarletKnights.com.
