Lions achieve highest academic year on record in 2024-25

FLORENCE, Ala. (May 15, 2025) – The University of North Alabama Department of Athletics announced grades for the Spring 2025 semester on Thursday, as the Lions finished with a 3.30 grade point average. This led to the highest yearly GPA on record for the department with a combined 3.28 GPA for the 2024-25 academic year.

This also marks UNA’s third consecutive semester with a 3.25 GPA or higher.

“Academic excellence remains the forefront of our competitive goals, and UNA’s student-athletes continued to reflect that standard with this outstanding accomplishment,” said UNA Director of Athletics, Dr. Josh Looney. “UNA’s academic experience is enhanced by top-notch faculty, coaches and academic leaders who are aligned with our academic goals and motivate student-athletes to elevate and achieve their goals in the classroom, in competition and in the community.”

UNA celebrated 57 student-athletes with a perfect 4.0 GPA for the semester. Additionally, 73 percent of UNA student-athletes finished the semester with a 3.0 or higher.

The athletic department had 38 graduates walk this semester.

Two student-athletes, Beth Ann Tucker of cross country and Sarah Larkin Lewis of beach volleyball, received the prestigious Keller Key.  The Keller Key award was established as a memorial to the late President James Albert and Mrs. Mariglen Keller. A Keller Key is presented at each commencement to the honor graduate who, on the basis of having earned all credits for the bachelor’s degree at the University, has achieved the highest grade point average.

The women’s golf program finished with the highest GPA among UNA sports this semester, turning in an impressive 3.92 GPA. This continues a stellar run for the women’s golf program academically…last spring, the women’s golf team recorded the first perfect 4.0 team semester in school history.

UNA’s beach volleyball and women’s soccer programs tied for second this semester with a 3.67 GPA. The beach volleyball team led last fall with a 3.77 GPA. Rounding out the top five sports in Spring 2025 were men’s golf with a 3.64 and softball with a 3.60.

“This achievement is a testament to our student-athletes and their commitment to excellence in the classroom,” said Sherry Kennemer, UNA’s Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student Success. “It also highlights the strong and ongoing partnership between athletics and the broader university community. Our student-athletes consistently pursue excellence both on the field and in the classroom, and this is a clear reflection of their dedication and strong work ethic. Their academic success embodies the core values of discipline, perseverance and teamwork — principles that are instilled and strengthened throughout their university journey.”

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.