SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word men's and women's track and field teams were recognized as 2020 NCAA Division I All-Academic Teams by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) on Thursday. Freshman Afiah Brathwaite was recognized as an All-Academic Athlete as well.
 
"I'm beyond proud of the resiliency, commitment, and fortitude demonstrated by the student-athletes that make the UIW track and field program such a dynamic and successful program," head coach Dr. Derek Riedel said. "The spring 2020 semester put each of our student-athletes in a never-before-seen situation. They could have folded and made excuses, but they chose to adapt and persevere and double down on their academic commitment. They passed this test with flying colors and showed once again how elite they are academically."
 
Brathwaite, an accounting major with a 3.61 GPA, was one of 659 women from across 178 institutions who were recognized as All-Academic Athletes. The freshman qualified athletically for the honor after clearing 1.73 meters in the high jump event at the Texas Tech Shootout (Feb 14-15), landing her among the top 96 in an individual event for the indoor season.
 
"Both the women and men set program records with their cumulative GPA (3.55 and 3.31 respectively) and answered the challenge the coaching staff gave them – to improve their GPA after the fall and put more people on the Dean's list."
 
The women's team was one of 264 programs recognized for academic excellence across the nation after posting a cumulative GPA of 3.55. This was the second-best GPA in the Southland Conference (behind McNeese) and the fourth-best GPA in the state (behind Baylor, Rice and Houston).
 
The men's team had a 3.31 cumulative GPA and was among 199 teams recognized. The Cardinals boasted the highest GPA on the men's side of the league and the third-highest GPA in the state (behind Baylor and Rice).
 
FOLLOW ALONG
For the most up to date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook. 
 
Follow the team on Twitter @UIWTrackXC and on Instagram @uiwtrackxc.