Not only was the 2004-05 Lee Universitywomen’s basketball team a big winner on the playing court, they were just as successful in the classroom, according to a recent release by The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA).           

The WBCA announced its 2004-05 Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll for NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA and Junior College/Community College. The awards recognize teams throughout the nation that have the highest grade point averages (GPA) for last season based upon nominations submitted by WBCA-member coaches.

"Based on graduation-rate research, the female student-athlete cohort has consistently graduated at the highest rate, followed by female students, male students and male student-athletes," said WBCA Chief Executive Officer Beth Bass. "These 115 teams set the standard for student-athletes to excel in the classroom as well as on the court.”

Under the direction of first-year coach Marty Rowe, the Lady Flames were ninth (3.40) among the 25 NAIA schools listed. In fact, another NAIA program, Concordia-Nebraska (3.786) finished number one among all colleges listed at all levels.

 

While Concordia was tops among all colleges, Indiana State was the NCAA I leader. Drury University was best among NCAA II institutions, and York College was best in NCAA III.  Lincoln College held the academic edge among junior colleges.

 

“I’m very proud,” said Lee’s Rowe. “My first year at Lee was certainly a joy.” Rowe and his staff directed the Lady Flames to a solid 23-12 season. They earned a spot in the NAIA Division I National Tournament.

 

Seven Lady Flames were named to the Southern States Athletic Conference All-Academic team, while Heidi Hamilton and Leah Green were NAIA Scholar Athlete All-Americans. To be listed among the NAIA top scholars the athlete has to be a junior or senior.

 

“We have a solid group of scholar athletes returning for 2005-06,” pointed out coach Rowe. “This helps provide the leadership in the classroom and on the playing floor that every coach looks for.”