SMC Student-Athletes Show Out in the Classroom

Danny Kambel

Contributing Writer

Spartanburg Methodist College is celebrating a strong academic achievement as 11 of its intercollegiate athletic programs were recognized as NAIA Scholar Teams on National Awards Day. This recognition highlights the dedication of Pioneer student-athletes who excel not only in competition but also in the classroom during SMC’s first year as a full member of the NAIA.

“We could not be prouder of our student-athletes and coaches for the way they embraced the challenge of competing in the NAIA while continuing to excel in the classroom,” said Megan Aiello, SMC Athletic Director. “Academic success is a priority at Spartanburg Methodist, and to see 11 of our programs earn NAIA Scholar Team honors in our first year is a testament to the hard work, discipline, and support within our athletic community.”

To qualify as a Scholar Team, programs must maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average throughout the academic year. This standard underscores the NAIA’s commitment to the “Champions of Character” initiative, which emphasizes the importance of balancing athletic performance with academic success.

Leading the way for SMC was the volleyball and beach volleyball teams, which posted a program-best 3.61 GPA, the highest among SMC’s athletic teams. Also earning distinction were softball (3.43), men’s soccer (3.41), women’s soccer (3.27), men’s golf (3.23), baseball (3.16), men’s cross country (3.11), women’s basketball (3.10) and women’s outdoor track and field (3.08).

Two programs in particular earned national-level recognition for their academic performance. The beach volleyball team’s 3.61 GPA tied for the highest among all NAIA beach volleyball programs, sharing the top spot with the University of Mobile. Meanwhile, the men’s soccer team’s 3.41 GPA ranked eighth nationally in the sport, underscoring the program’s commitment to academic success alongside athletic competition.

Aiello noted that the recognition reflects the balance SMC student-athletes strive for on a daily basis.

“Our teams train, compete, and travel with demanding schedules, yet they still manage to achieve at such a high level academically. That says so much about their character and the culture our coaches are building,” she said.