ST. MARY’S CITY, Md., June 13, 2025 — St. Mary’s College of Maryland (SMCM) had 11 athletic programs honored with the United East Conference Team Academic Award on Tuesday, recognizing teams with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher for the 2024-25 academic year. The Seahawks tied for second among conference members, showcasing their commitment to academic excellence alongside athletic achievement.
The honored SMCM teams include women’s cross country (3.49), field hockey (3.60), women’s soccer (3.59), women’s volleyball (3.65), women’s basketball (3.27), women’s indoor track & field (3.30), men’s lacrosse (3.33), women’s lacrosse (3.44), women’s tennis (3.61), and men’s (3.28) and women’s (3.30) outdoor track & field. Women’s volleyball led all Seahawk teams with a 3.65 GPA, followed by women’s tennis (3.61) and field hockey (3.60).
SMCM’s men’s and women’s lacrosse teams achieved the highest GPAs in their respective sports across the United East Conference. This marks the second consecutive year that men’s lacrosse has earned the top GPA among conference competitors. Women’s volleyball ranked 10th overall in the conference, with Lancaster Bible College’s women’s tennis team leading all programs with a 3.89 GPA.
“This acknowledgment is awarded to United East-sponsored programs that achieved a team grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 or higher during the 2024-25 academic year,” the league stated in its release, available on the United East website https://unitedeastathletics.com. A total of 117 teams from the conference’s 17 core members and affiliates in track & field and men’s volleyball received the award. Lancaster Bible College led with 15 programs honored, while SMCM and Penn State Harrisburg each had 11.
The United East Conference recognized teams across 19 of its 20 sponsored sports, highlighting the academic dedication of student-athletes. SMCM’s 11 award-winning programs reflect the college’s emphasis on balancing rigorous academics with competitive athletics. The Seahawks’ performance places them among the conference’s top institutions for academic achievement.
Women’s volleyball’s 3.65 GPA not only led SMCM but also positioned the team as a standout in the conference. The squad’s academic success complements its athletic efforts, demonstrating the discipline required to excel in both areas. Women’s tennis and field hockey followed closely, with GPAs of 3.61 and 3.60, respectively, underscoring the strength of SMCM’s women’s programs.
The men’s lacrosse team’s repeat as the conference’s academic leader in their sport highlights a consistent culture of academic excellence. Women’s lacrosse, with a 3.44 GPA, also set a high standard, earning the top GPA among United East women’s lacrosse programs. These achievements reflect the coaching staff’s and athletes’ commitment to prioritizing academics.
SMCM’s track & field programs, both indoor and outdoor, secured awards with GPAs ranging from 3.28 to 3.30. Women’s cross country (3.49) and women’s soccer (3.59) further demonstrated the college’s broad academic success across fall sports. Women’s basketball, with a 3.27 GPA, rounded out the list, marking the only winter sport recognized.
The United East Conference’s Team Academic Award celebrates student-athletes who maintain high academic standards while competing at a collegiate level. SMCM’s 11 honored teams represent a significant portion of the college’s athletic programs, affirming its status as Maryland’s public honors college. The awards align with SMCM’s mission to foster intellectual growth and personal development.
Additional details about the award and the full list of recipients are available on the United East Conference website. The site provides comprehensive information on the academic achievements of teams across the conference, offering context for SMCM’s strong showing.
