Southwest recognized with 2024-25 RRAC GPA Award, 1,501 named RRAC Scholar-Athletes

WACO, Texas – Setting a new standard, the University of the Southwest (N.M.) athletic department captured the 2024-25 RRAC GPA Award as the best in the classroom during the most recent academic year. USW posted the best GPA in conference history at 3.53 while 156 of its student-athletes earned a 3.0 or better.

The RRAC GPA Award is presented annually to the athletic program with the best cumulative GPA among its student-athletes in the most recent academic year. The award encompasses all conference sports and any NAIA-certified student-athletes during the 2024-25 seasons.

"We're incredibly proud of our student-athletes and all they've accomplished in the classroom this past academic year, says USW Athletic Director Steve Appel. "I'm equally proud of our coaches for making academics a clear priority within their programs.

"In a time when earning a college degree is sometimes seen as less essential, we at USW remain firmly committed to the belief that academics should be at the core of the collegiate athletic experience. We look forward to building on this success—not just in competition, but in the classroom and throughout our community.

In addition to the overall GPA award, a record total of 1,501 individuals across the conference were named RRAC Scholar-Athletes. Click here to view the complete list of this year's scholar-athletes.