Southern Illinoise University Athletics
SIU Student-Athletes Excel in Classroom, Post Strong GPAs
05/18/2026 | 10:00:00 | General
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University student-athletes delivered an outstanding performance in the classroom during the spring 2026 semester, continuing a strong upward trend of academic excellence across Saluki Athletics.
As a department, SIU posted a 3.369 semester GPA and a 3.358 cumulative GPA for the 2025-26 academic year, reflecting the department's ongoing commitment to excellence both on and off the field.
Leading the way this spring was volleyball, which recorded a department-best 3.747 semester GPA — the program's second-highest mark since 2012 and a continued reflection of its academic consistency. Men's cross country (3.670) and women's golf (3.663)also turned in exceptional performances, ranking among the department's top three teams. Men's cross country earned the highest term GPA among all men's programs.
Several programs demonstrated consistency at a high level, including:
- Women's cross country (3.651)
- Women's soccer (3.566)
- Softball (3.531)
- Women's swimming and diving (3.524)
On the men's side, swimming and diving (3.523) and baseball (3.311) continued to build on positive academic momentum. Football posted a 3.302 GPA, marking a 5 percent improvement from spring 2025, its fourth consecutive semester above a 3.0, and its highest GPA outside of the COVID-era pass/no pass semesters.
For the full academic year, women's golf (3.657) and volleyball (3.648) led all programs, reinforcing their status as consistent academic leaders within the department.
Across the board, Saluki student-athletes demonstrated balance and discipline, with several teams posting some of their strongest GPAs in recent program history. Departmentwide, the spring 2026 GPA continues a strong upward trend and ranks among the department's top marks in recent non-pandemic years.
The department's success was reflected in individual achievement as well. A total of 64 of SIU's 357 student-athletes earned a perfect 4.0 GPA during the spring semester, while 52 percent posted a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Overall, 76 percent of Saluki student-athletes recorded a GPA of 3.0 or better, highlighting the depth of academic excellence across all programs.
Women's programs collectively posted a 3.531 semester GPA and a 3.533 cumulative GPA, while men's programs recorded a 3.270 semester GPA and a 3.246 cumulative GPA, showcasing broad-based success across all sports.
"We are incredibly proud of the commitment our student-athletes continue to show in the classroom," said Tim Leonard, director of intercollegiate athletics. "These results reflect the hard work, discipline and support systems in place across our department. Academic excellence is a core part of what it means to be a Saluki, and our teams continue to raise the standard."
Historical data further underscores the department's momentum, with multiple programs matching or approaching their highest GPAs of the past decade. Teams such as volleyball, women's golf and men's cross country have established themselves as perennial academic leaders, while others continue to make steady gains year over year.
The Salukis' academic success is supported by a comprehensive approach that includes academic advising, tutoring and structured support systems designed to help student-athletes thrive. The academic mission of Southern's student-athletes is supported by Hilary Wittenborn, associate athletics director for academics, Alexis Dodd, director of academics and student services, and Cailey Clark, academic coordinator. Mima Zaboska worked with the staff this semester as a graduate assistant.
