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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville student-athletes recorded a 3.259 GPA in the 2024 spring semester. The cumulative 3.0 GPA stretches the streak to 36 straight semesters in which student-athletes have posted a 3.0 GPA or better.  The women's athletic programs recorded a 3.427 GPA for the 2023-2024 school year with the women's tennis team contributing the highest GPA for women's athletics with a 3.775.

The men's athletic programs completed the school year with a 3.148 GPA. The men's golf team led the way for men’s athletics with a 3.400 GPA. 

“Our number one mission is to graduate our student-athletes,” said Jaci Declue, SIUE Deputy Athletic Director. “We recruit the total package. We really focus on developing the student-athlete, not just developing the athlete.”

SIUE athletics features approximately 270 student-athletes across 14 athletic programs. 

“It is communicated from the very beginning that you are a student-athlete and that starts with our coaches all the way until graduation,” said DeClue.

DeClue has led the program for 20 years; Ashley Beaton Simpson, Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Success, has worked in the department 15 years; and Lindsey Schmidt, Senior Athletic Academic Advisor, has been a part of the team for two years.

The three work tirelessly to help the student-athletes become better people, manage study tables and remind them if they want to play the sport, they must do the schoolwork.

“We manage study tables, we manage tutoring, we do a lot of student development with our student-athletes,” DeClue said. “I want them to be self-sufficient adults in the world and be able to contribute to the world and make it a better place.”

SIUE looks to keep the streak alive as the Cougar student-athletes head into midterm exams this fall 2024 semester. 

PHOTO:  2024-2025 SIUE Men's Golf Team