COLORADO SPRINGS, Co. (Jan. 22, 2021) – The Stevens Institute of Technology women's swimming team made history Wednesday as they posted a 3.91 Fall semester grad point average, the highest GPA among all programs in the NCAA regardless of division or gender, to earn Fall Scholar All-America Team honors by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America. The men's team also earned the award after posting an impressive GPA of 3.66, which ranked 10th in Division III.

The award, given bi-annually, is earned by teams who have accumulated at least a 3.0 GPA for the semester. It is the fifth consecutive semester under head coach Paul Hughes both teams have claimed the accolade.

"We are really proud of our student-athletes for their hard work this entire semester in the classroom, especially in such a tough year," Hughes said. "For our men to have a team GPA over 3.6 and our women to have the top GPA in the country is an amazing accomplishment. It speaks to their attention to detail and willingness to adapt to tough situations."

The only other program in the NCAA to earn at least a 3.9 GPA in the fall semester was the MIT men's swim program, who posted the second-highest average in the country of 3.90. The Ducks were one of just nine DIII schools that posted at least a 3.65 GPA on both the men's and women's side.

It is the 21st award in the program history for both the women's and men's teams since the award's inception in the 2006-07 school year. Additionally, Hughes is the first coach to lead both teams to the award for five straight semesters since Brad Thorton did so for eight straight semesters from 2012-16.

Stevens is one of over 450 total programs across all NCAA Divisions to receive the accolade.

Founded in 1922, the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA), is the nation's first organization of college coaches. The mission of the CSCAA is to advance the sport of swimming and diving with coaches at the epicenter of leadership, advocacy, and professional development.

Facebook: "Like" Stevens Athletics         
Twitter: @stevensducks
Instagram: @stevensducks
#AllRise