St. Mary’s College of Maryland has once again demonstrated its strong commitment to academic excellence. Thirteen Seahawk teams earned the fourth annual United East Conference Team Academic Award, announced by the league office on June 30. This honor recognizes programs that achieved a team grade point average of 3.25 or higher during the 2025-26 academic year.
St. Mary’s College, along with Lancaster Bible College and Penn State Harrisburg, led all United East members with 13 programs earning this distinction. The Seahawks’ honorees included baseball, field hockey, men’s lacrosse, men’s soccer, men’s tennis, women’s basketball, women’s cross country, women’s indoor track and field, women’s lacrosse, women’s outdoor track and field, women’s soccer, women’s tennis, and women’s volleyball.
Three St. Mary’s College squads posted the highest GPA in the conference within their respective sports. Field hockey led all Seahawk programs with a 3.64 team GPA, followed by women’s cross country and women’s volleyball, each with a 3.61 GPA. Men’s tennis earned a 3.58 GPA, while women’s lacrosse posted a 3.57 GPA.
Field hockey, men’s lacrosse, and women’s lacrosse notched the United East’s highest GPA within their respective sports. This marks the third straight season that men’s lacrosse has tallied the best GPA among conference foes and the second consecutive year for women’s lacrosse.
These academic honors reflect the dedication of St. Mary’s College student-athletes who balance rigorous coursework with competitive athletics. The Seahawks compete in a variety of United East Conference sports while pursuing degrees across multiple disciplines. The high number of teams recognized this year underscores the college’s emphasis on supporting student success both in the classroom and on the field.
Field hockey’s top GPA highlights the program’s consistent academic performance alongside its athletic achievements. Men’s and women’s lacrosse programs have established themselves as leaders in both competition and academics, setting a strong example for other teams.
The United East Conference Team Academic Award celebrates programs that prioritize education while competing at a high level. For St. Mary’s College, these honors contribute to the institution’s reputation as a place where student-athletes can excel in multiple areas.
St. Mary’s College serves students from across Southern Maryland and beyond. Academic success among student-athletes strengthens the college’s role as an educational and community resource in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. These achievements also inspire younger students in the region to pursue both athletic and academic goals.
The recognition of 13 teams this year represents continued growth in academic performance across the athletic department. Programs in track and field, soccer, tennis, volleyball, and basketball have also maintained strong GPAs while contributing to the college’s athletic success.
As St. Mary’s College looks ahead, the focus on academic excellence alongside athletic competition positions the Seahawks for ongoing achievement. Student-athletes, coaches, and support staff work together to create an environment where both classroom and competitive success are valued.
These honors serve as a reminder of the positive impact collegiate athletics can have when paired with strong academic support. St. Mary’s College continues to foster that balance, helping prepare graduates for future opportunities.
Residents of Southern Maryland can take pride in the accomplishments of local student-athletes at St. Mary’s College. The United East Conference Team Academic Awards highlight the dedication and hard work of these individuals and the programs that support them.
