LA VERNE — A record total of 156 University of La Verne student-athletes and athletic training students who have attained a 3.5 grade point average or higher was honored at the 10th annual La Verne Scholar-Athlete Luncheon, held Tuesday at the University’s Campus Center.
WATCH THE REPLAY OF THE EVENT HERE
The 156 honorees averaged a GPA of 3.73 among them.
Several members of the campus community including faculty, staff and administrators were on hand to congratulate the academic achievements of the student-athletes.
“You do us proud,” Provost Jonathan Reed said in his remarks to the attendees. “You embody three things: Responsibility, teamwork and community service. These are three things that make you successful on the field and off, whether it is in the classroom or later in life as a graduate of the University of La Verne. We thank you for your passion, dedication, community service, for how you garner national recognition and how you inspire your fellow students to do better.”
Athletics director Julie Kline praised the honorees for their commitment and dedication to academics, sports and community service.
National Champion and All-American Lenore Moreno addressed the attendees with inspirational remarks as she described her journey toward both academic and athletic success during her time at La Verne.
“Over the two years I’ve been at La Verne, I have been lucky and blessed to have found much success,” Moreno said. “Sure, wins are great, personal records are awesome, and the NCAA title is amazing and a dream come true.
"But there is a lot more to the game--as Division III athletes, we don’t necessarily play to get drafted or sign multi-million dollar contracts with Nike. We play because so many years ago, we stepped on to the court or that field or in my case the track and know that this is what we love to do. We put in that hard work in the classroom and on the field because we choose to. I believe that’s what sport teaches you: To give it your all no matter what you’re doing.”
A total of 23 student-athletes achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA in the fall.
Women’s soccer has the highest overall GPA at 3.38, followed closely by female athletic training students at 3.37. Women’s cross country earned the top spot in the fall semester with a 3.46 team GPA.
“Scholar athletes, it is clear that you’re doing the right thing,” Kline said in her closing remarks. “Doing the right things in the classroom, in the community and in the competitive arena.
“You are the future leaders of tomorrow. Be sure to continue to put your feet in the right place and stand firm.”
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