The most recent NCAA Division I Academic Progress Rate (APR) data was released and across the board Villanova teams are continuing to thrive in the classroom with multi-year APR scores that rank among the best in the nation. The latest release includes data from the 2007-08 through 2010-11 academic years and the Wildcats have seven teams receiving public recognition for a multiyear APR score that ranks in the top 10 percent nationwide within their sport. In addition Villanova has 21 teams with a multiyear APR that ranks in the top half among their respective sport.
Especially noteworthy among the seven teams receiving public recognition are perfect multiyear APR scores of 1000 for the men's lacrosse, softball, men's tennis and women's tennis teams. In addition the men's soccer, women's indoor track & field and women's outdoor track & field teams also ranked within the top 10 percent of their sports. Villanova has the third most teams being honored for public recognition out of all BIG EAST schools.
The softball team has received public recognition for its academic success all seven years in the existence of the APR program, while six of the seven Villanova teams being publicly recognized have earned this distinction for at least three consecutive years.
"Our student-athletes continue to distinguish themselves with their commitment to the academic component of our mission," Villanova Director of Athletics Vince Nicastro said. "I can't say enough about our student-athletes who work so diligently in the classroom and are fully committed to their intellectual development. Our coaches, faculty and support staff should also be applauded for teaching and mentoring these young men and women so well."
In the high-profile sports of football and basketball the Wildcats continue to fare exceptionally well. The men's and women's basketball teams each rank in the top 20 percent nationwide within their sport, while the women's basketball team ranks second among all BIG EAST programs and the men's basketball team is fifth among league schools. In addition the Villanova football team ranks fourth out of all CAA schools and is in the top third of all football teams in the country.
Now in its seventh year the Academic Progress Rate is an academic measurement for sports teams developed by the NCAA as part of a larger academic reform package. The APR provides a real-time measure of academic performance and student-athletes earn points each semester based on academic standing and retention. A mark of 1000 represents a perfect score for a team.
Villanova Teams Receiving Public Recognition for Ranking in the Top 10 Percent of Their Sport
Sport (Multi-Year APR)
Men's Lacrosse (1000)
Softball (1000)
Men's Tennis (1000)
Women's Tennis (1000)
Women's Indoor Track & Field (997)
Women's Outdoor Track & Field (997)
Men's Soccer (996)
