University of North Carolina Athletics
Carolina Track Athletes Scoring High in the Classroom
May 28, 2014 | Track & Field, Academics, Student-Athlete Development
CHAPEL HILL -- While the North Carolina track and field teams have experienced a lot of success this season on the track, the teams have also experienced similar success in the classroom. 49 student-athletes from the two teams registered G.P.A.s of 3.0 or higher during their collegiate careers.
"I am extremely proud of the hard work that our kids, our coaches, our academic advisor Kym Orr, and Dr. Michelle Brown's staff has put in to reaching this goal," North Carolina head coach Harlis Meaders said. "Over 50 percent of the kids in our program have a B average. This is a testament to the academic skill set of the kids who choose to attend UNC and our commitment to academic excellence."
This feat is something the coaches take great pride in. The coaches encourage the student-athletes to focus on their schoolwork, even at the expense of practice. They understand the difficulties of being a student-athlete and the academic challenges that student-athletes are presented with, especially at a top-tier university.
"There are probably some other schools where you might get to rest more as a top athlete," North Carolina assistant coach Mark VanAlstyne said. "Or should I say, you're not as 'stretched' on the academic side of things as I've seen some students here. It really is a challenge to combine academics and athletics at this level."
Meaders and VanAlstyne, along with the rest of the coaching staff, have coupled academics and athletics successfully, and the student-athletes have been recognized. 12 Tar Heels earned All-ACC Academic Honors this spring for the indoor season. Malia Cali and Nate Fisher both were inducted into Phi Beta Kappa national honorary society earlier this year. Less than one percent of all colleges qualify to be members of the prestigious organization.
"This is a level of excellence that we will work towards making the standard at UNC," Meaders said. "We want to provide our kids the best academic and athletic experience in the country."
Players Mentioned
