PORTSMOUTH, Ohio -- Shawnee State Athletics announced its department-wide average GPA for the 2025 fall semester on Thursday.

Of the 20 school-affiliated sports listed in the report, the women's bowling team posted the highest average GPA at 3.67.

Bryan Sturgell, Shawnee State's women's bowling head coach, praised his athletes for their dual-focused efforts on the lanes and in the classroom.

"We talk about academics at the end of every practice and team meeting," Sturgell said. "We're so proud of their efforts, as they are keeping up with the standards we have set. It makes coaching this program fun."

The rest of the top-10 includes:

-  Women's Tennis: 3.59
-  Softball: 3.56
-  Cheer: 3.47
-  Men's Bowling: 3.43
-  Women's Cross Country: 3.41
-  Baseball: 3.38
-  Women's Track: 3.38
-  Women's Volleyball: 3.36
-  Women's Swimming: 3.24

Gerald Cadogan, Shawnee State's director of athletics, said earning a degree remains the top priority for student-athletes.

"Shawnee State student-athletes come to us first and foremost to earn a degree that will serve them long after their playing days are over," Cadogan said. "Athletics are a powerful complement to the academic experience, teaching discipline, accountability and time management, but they never replace the classroom."

The fall semester results reflect Shawnee State Athletics' continued commitment to academic excellence across all programs.