By: Lucas Packer

The Women's Basketball Coaches Association announced the final academic standings for the 2012 season yesterday and Indiana University South Bend made the Top 25 nationally for the third time under Head Coach Steve Bruce. The Titans compiled a team GPA of 3.352, which earned them the #23 spot in the final polls. The Top 25 ranking was not a surprise, as five Titan players (Kayla George, Leah Meyer, Courtney Simpson, Elyse Lefebvre and Staci Funkhouser) were named to the CCAC All-Academic Team following this last season. "Our team GPA goal every year is 3.5 or higher," said Coach Bruce. "I was  pleased with our 2nd semester efforts.  The first semester was not up to par for us but we finished strong and overall it was a solid academic year." 

The WBCA Academic Top 25 annually recognizes NCAA Divisions I, II and III; NAIA; and junior/community college women's basketball teams across the nation that carry the highest combined grade point averages (GPAs) inclusive of all student-athletes on their rosters for the entire season.  The 2011-12 season is the 17^thin which the WBCA has produced the honor rolls. "I look forward to the release of the Academic Top 25 each summer," said WBCA CEO Beth Bass. "Because our society places so much emphasis on winning games and championships, it is a refreshing change of pace when we recognize those teams that excel in the classroom.

"Like winning on the court, academic success on a team level does not happen by accident.  It requires a group of student-athletes who realize the importance of education and earning their degrees, coaches who expect and encourage their players to attend class and study, and administrators who provide strong academic support programs for their athletes," said Bass.

Founded in 1981, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association promotes women's basketball by unifying coaches at all levels to develop a reputable identity for the sport and to foster and promote the development of the game as a sport for women and girls. For more information on the WBCA, please visit wbca.org.