BREAKING: Five athletic teams from East Texas Baptist University (ETBU) have just been awarded prestigious national academic honors, highlighting their outstanding performance in the classroom and on the field. The announcement was made earlier today, underscoring the academic excellence of these programs as they continue to compete at high levels.
The acclaimed teams—Baseball, Men’s Tennis, Women’s Tennis, Volleyball, and Beach Volleyball—each achieved impressive cumulative GPAs, with Beach Volleyball leading the way at 3.76. This recognition comes after all five programs participated in postseason national tournaments, with four securing American Southwest Conference (ASC) Championships.
The ETBU Baseball team, under head coach Jared Hood, achieved the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Team Academic Excellence Award for the tenth consecutive year, finishing the year with a GPA of 3.58. Notably, the team marked a significant improvement from their previous 3.39 average during the 2023-24 season. Their academic excellence is further highlighted by the achievement of 35 student-athletes who made the ASC All-Academic team with GPAs of 3.0 or higher.
Meanwhile, the Men’s Tennis team celebrated its third consecutive ITA All-Academic Team Award, boasting a GPA of 3.62. Nine of its student-athletes were recognized as ITA Scholar-Athletes for maintaining GPAs of at least 3.5. They also clinched their first ASC Tournament Championship this year, showcasing a perfect blend of athletic and academic prowess.
The Women’s Tennis program is also basking in academic success, earning its tenth consecutive ITA All-Academic Team Award. With a GPA of 3.70, the team ranked second among ETBU’s athletic programs and achieved an impressive 3.78 GPA in the spring semester. Their success on the court includes winning the 2025 ASC Tournament Championship and advancing past the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Volleyball, under the leadership of head coach Mallory Matthews, has now earned the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award for the sixth consecutive year. The team recorded an overall GPA of 3.69 and achieved a remarkable 3.83 GPA during the spring, marking their place in the top 20% of NCAA Division III GPAs. They also celebrated back-to-back ASC Tournament Championships this season.
In its third year of competition, ETBU Beach Volleyball has set a high standard by earning the AVCA Team Academic Award, finishing the year with a GPA of 3.76. The team not only excelled academically but also participated in their third AVCA Small College National Tournament, showcasing their commitment to both sports and studies.
To qualify for these prestigious awards, teams must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 for the academic year, with specific requirements set by the respective organizations. This recognition not only highlights the dedication of the student-athletes but also reflects the supportive academic environment fostered at ETBU.
As these teams celebrate their achievements, the focus now shifts to maintaining this level of excellence. With upcoming seasons on the horizon, all eyes will be on ETBU’s athletes as they aim to continue their success both in competition and in their academic pursuits.
This urgent update serves as a reminder of the incredible balance these student-athletes achieve between academics and athletics, making their accomplishments truly remarkable. Share this news to celebrate the hard work and dedication of ETBU’s athletes!
