ATLANTA, Ga. - The Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) announced its winners for the 2008-09 Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll this week and Southwest Minnesota State University recorded the 18th highest grade point average in NCAA Division II racking up a 3.46 GPA.

This award, given in NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA and Junior College/Community College, awards teams throughout the nation that carry the highest grade point averages (GPA) for the entire season based on the nomination submitted by WBCA-member head coaches.

“Our student-athletes continue to do what it takes to be successful in the classroom,” said head coach Mike Jewett.  “I appreciate all of the hard work they put into achieving a team GPA of 3.46.”

“It is always an honor for the WBCA to recognize these teams for putting together outstanding cumulative grade point averages,” said WBCA CEO Beth Bass.  “We want to congratulate each and every one of these teams for their efforts in the classroom and want them to know that we celebrate their hard work.  My thanks go out to these teams for setting a benchmark of success academically among their peers in the sport.”

The Mustangs are the third highest-ranking school in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.  SMSU had five players earn Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference All-Academic honors in 2008-09.  The individuals earning the honors were senior Sara Leidall, senior Abby Oakland, junior Megan Stadler, junior Kady Telschow and senior Megan Wittkop. 

SMSU finished the 2008-09 season with an overall record of 14-16.