SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts – American International College had tremendous classroom success from its student athletes in the 2025-26 academic year, as the Department of Athletics collectively posted a 3.31 grade-point average, a five-point growth over the previous year.
A total of 401 student-athletes earned a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or better during the most recently completed semester, accounting for 73.7 percent of all student-athletes at the College.
On the team side, 16 teams posted at least a 3.00, with eight squads reaching at least 3.50 as a team.
"We are incredibly proud of the academic achievements our student athletes have accomplished this spring. Increasing our cumulative Athletics GPA from 3.26 in the fall semester to a 3.31 is a testament to the dedication our students bring to the classroom every day. Having 401 student athletes achieve a 3.0 GPA or higher, along with 16 teams at a 3.0 or above and 8 teams reaching a 3.5 or higher, reflects not only individual commitment but a true culture of excellence across our entire Athletics program. Academic success is a priority that I am deeply committed to, and results like these don't allow us to settle — they only motivate us to continue raising the bar and striving for even greater heights," Kearney said.
At the top for the year were softball and field hockey, both netting 3.74 GPAs as a team in 2025-26.
"The academic success of AIC Softball continues to impress me. Their hard work not only earned them national recognition last season, but they also continued to strive for excellence in the classroom and on the field. We are proud to set the standard for academic success, and they truly understand the meaning of being student-athletes. I couldn't be more proud of this team," Head Softball Coach Shalise Tolentino said.
"Having one of the top GPAs in the department means a lot to our program because it shows that our team is buying into the standards we set every day, not just on the field but in the classroom too. We talk a lot about accountability, discipline, and doing the small things right, and our 3.74 GPA reflects that. I'm proud of this group because they continue to prove that you can compete at a high level while also taking academics seriously. Being at the top academically is something we don't take lightly, because at the end of the day field hockey eventually ends, but the education and habits they build here will stay with them long after AIC," said Head Field Hockey Coach Kylie Gargiulo.
Women's volleyball, women's basketball, and women's soccer each posted a team GPA for 2025-26 above 3.60, while men's golf led all men's teams with a 3.59 mark.
"It's always been extremely important to these players; playing golf has always been as important as academics and it really showed this spring when not only did we win three tournaments out of three tournaments played but we also came up with the GPA of 3.62," said Head Golf Coach Craig Cowles.
Additionally, every member of the softball, field hockey, women's volleyball, women's basketball, and men's golf teams posted at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA.
