Jan. 27, 2005
ORLANDO, Fla. - The UCF softball team had its best team grade point average for a semester in the program's history recording a 3.33 team average during the 2004 fall semester.
"We have a very demanding off-season training schedule," head coach Renee Luers-Gillispie said. "I'm so proud of the girls for what they were able to accomplish in the classroom, and on the field."
Three players earned perfect 4.00 grade point averages, with two of the three being freshman.
"There are a lot of adjustments during your first semester in college," Luers-Gillispie said. "This shows the type of student-athlete we are recruiting to represent UCF, and that we are measuring the success of our program both on and off the field."
Luers-Gillispie credits the success of her team in the classroom to the support system set up for UCF student-athletes by the University.
The Office of Academic Services for Student-Athletes (ASSA) provides UCF student-athletes with balance, and equips them with tools to cope with the demands of being a full-time student in addition to competing as a Division I intercollegiate athlete.
All incoming freshman are required to take a SLS class that allows UCF student-athletes to adjust to college life.
In the SLS class, UCF student-athletes learn a base of time management skills along with study skills, test taking skills and a base of NCAA rules.
The ASSA also provides UCF student-athletes with academic support services, including organized study sessions and tutoring.
Luers-Gillispie is looking for another strong semester from the squad this spring.
"Our grades have been stronger when we are in season, when the schedule is a little more demanding," Luers-Gillispie said. "The girls do a fantastic job of budgeting their time, and our professors are very accommodating with all the traveling we do."
UCF's football program also earned its highest team GPA during the 2004 fall semester.