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For the first time in university history, the ��������Ƶ University women’s basketball program has earned the top spot in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Division II Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll. The 2019-20 team, led by coach Mark Katarski, finished the year with an overall team GPA of 3.831.

“All of us at ��������Ƶ are incredibly proud of the tremendous academic achievements of the women’s basketball team during the 2019-20 academic year,” said ��������Ƶ President Mary C. Finger. “These young women have proven themselves to be outstanding scholars as well as gifted athletes. This accomplishment also reflects the outstanding leadership of the coaching staff, especially Head Coach Mark Katarski, who continue to set high standards for the program.”

"It's not often that a team can say they finished first in the country in something,” Katarski said. “All credit goes to these 14 incredible women for their hard work, dedication, and time management. Equally as responsible are the tremendous efforts of the faculty and staff at ��������Ƶ University for fostering an environment where student-athletes don't have to choose between excelling in both athletics and academics."

The WBCA Academic Top 25 annually recognizes NCAA Division I, II and III; NAIA; and junior/community college women's basketball teams across the nation that carry the highest combined grade point average (GPA) inclusive of all student-athletes on their rosters for the entire season. The 2019-20 season is the 25th in which the WBCA has compiled the honor rolls. 

The Griffins 3.831 GPA was the second highest of all NCAA institutions including Division I, II and III teams, just behind Division III Buena Vista University.

“I continue to be impressed by our amazing student athletes whether in competition or the classroom,” stated Athletic Director Chris Snyder. “To have our women's basketball program earn the highest grade point average in Division II is an incredible feat. Coach Katarski and his staff have much to be proud of.”

The 3.831 GPA is the highest team GPA for a Griffin women's basketball team since ��������Ƶ joined the NCAA in 2006-07.  It is the 12th time ��������Ƶ has been in the Top 25 in the past 13 seasons.  SHU is only one of two schools to accomplish this honor.  Rockhurst University is the other. ��������Ƶ is the highest ranked PSAC team in the list for the sixth straight year.

Earlier this summer, the women’s basketball team earned the PSAC Top Team GPA Award for the sixth time in seven seasons.

Members of the 2019-20 team include Courtney Cecere of Windber, PA, Lexi Civittolo of Seville, OH, Rena Enterline of Blairsville, PA, Madeline Fischer of Wexford, PA, Samantha Kosmacki of Morgan, PA, Maddy Moore of Vandergrift, PA, Katie Nolan of Yorkville, IL, Sydney Rabold of Baden, PA, Kennedi Stevenson of McKees Rocks, PA, Tiana Stewart of Damascus, MD, Courtney Tomas of McKees Rocks, PA, Cheyenne Trest of Canonsburg, PA, Taylin Tyler of Pittsburgh, PA and Kelly Weeks of Webster, NY.

The team was coached by Katarski and assistant coaches Kelley Sundberg and Macey Hollenshead.

Founded in 1981, the Women's Basketball Coaches Association promotes women's basketball by unifying coaches at all levels to develop a reputable identity for the sport and to foster and promote the development of the game as a sport for women and girls.  For more information on the WBCA, visit wbca.org.