July 26, 2012
USTFCCCA Releases: Team | Individual
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Vanderbilt track and field program was honored by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) for its academic achievement during the 2012 indoor and outdoor track seasons.
The Commodore team posted a cumulative grade-point average 3.35 during the Spring 2012 semester, earning All-Academic Team honors from the USTFCCCA. The coaches’ organization honored 171 NCAA Division I institutions that posted a team GPA of at least 3.00 during the season.
“This was one of our best, if not the best year every for our combined track and cross country program,” said Vanderbilt Head Coach Steve Keith. “Raising the bar academically, as well as athletically, has been a real focus of our program. I’m certain that our women will be very proud of this honor.”
Vanderbilt was one of eight SEC programs to receive the honor, posting the second-highest team GPA of those eight institutions. The Commodores were just behind South Carolina’s team GPA of 3.39. Vanderbilt’s 3.35 GPA marks the highest in program history.
In addition, the USTFCCCA has announced its individual All-Academic honorees. Vanderbilt’s Liz Anderson and Kristen Smith each received recognition. To make the individual list, a student-athlete must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or better. They also must have ranked in the top-96 in an individual event (or top-48 of a relay) during the indoor season or have qualified for the NCAA Preliminary Round during the outdoor season.
Anderson and Smith were part of 676 student-athletes who accomplished such feats during 2012.
“You have to acknowledge Liz and Kristen for earning the individual honor,” Keith said. “I couldn’t be more proud of them.”
Keith was also quick to thank the team’s academic advisors, Claire Smith and Katie Feyes.
“We have to acknowledge all of the hard work that our academic advisors have done,” Keith added. “Without Claire and Katie, we would not be achieving at such a high level.”
