St. Mary’s College of Maryland men’s basketball continued its strong tradition of balancing athletics and academics, earning national recognition from the National Association of Basketball Coaches.
The NABC announced July 15 that the Seahawks received the 2025-26 Team Academic Excellence Award after posting a team grade point average of 3.05 for the academic year. It marks the second consecutive season the program has achieved this distinction, which honors teams with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Three St. Mary’s student-athletes — Ben Kobil, Jake Koverman and JD Salo — were also named to the prestigious NABC Honors Court. The court recognizes junior, senior and graduate players who maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Koverman and Salo, both team captains this past season, earned their second straight Honors Court selection. All three players were also named to the 2026 United East Conference Winter/Spring All-Academic Team.
Kobil, a junior economics major with a business minor from Washington, D.C., achieved a 3.608 GPA during his junior campaign. Koverman, a senior sociology major from Severna Park, finished with a 3.354 GPA in his final season as a Seahawk. Salo, a senior environmental studies major with a biology minor from Dunkirk, posted a 3.4625 GPA.
The honors reflect the commitment of St. Mary’s College student-athletes to excellence both on and off the court. The Seahawks finished the 2025-26 season with a 10-14 overall record (6-7 United East Conference) and advanced to the conference tournament as the No. 7 seed.
More than 400 programs nationwide received the Team Academic Excellence Award this year, while over 2,300 players earned spots on the Honors Court. The recognition underscores the value placed on academic achievement within college basketball programs.
St. Mary’s College of Maryland, a public liberal arts institution in St. Mary’s County, emphasizes a well-rounded student experience. Its men’s basketball program competes in the United East Conference and draws student-athletes from Southern Maryland and beyond who excel in the classroom while representing the Seahawks on the hardwood.
Local families and educators view these honors as validation of the college’s approach to developing future leaders who prioritize academics alongside athletic competition. The repeat Team Academic Excellence Award highlights sustained program-wide success in maintaining high standards.
Koverman and Salo’s leadership as captains extended beyond the court, helping foster a culture of accountability and achievement among teammates. Their repeated Honors Court appearances demonstrate dedication to academic goals even during demanding athletic seasons.
The NABC awards celebrate the hard work of student-athletes who navigate rigorous coursework and competitive schedules. For St. Mary’s College, these national accolades add to the institution’s reputation for producing well-prepared graduates ready for success in their chosen fields.
