Mountaineers Soar to Academic Excellence: App State Tennis Earns Top Honors

In a remarkable display of academic prowess, the Appalachian State University tennis team has once again proven its commitment to excellence both on and off the court. For the third time in the last four years, the Mountaineers have been recognized by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) as an All-Academic Team, a testament to the unwavering dedication of the student-athletes and the exceptional guidance of their coaching staff.

Elevating the Standard of Student-Athlete Excellence

Mountaineers Shine Bright on the Academic Leaderboard

The Appalachian State University tennis team has consistently demonstrated its ability to excel in the classroom, maintaining a remarkable academic record. This year, the Mountaineers achieved a remarkable 3.49 semester GPA and a 3.44 cumulative GPA, further solidifying their position as academic powerhouses. This impressive feat is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the student-athletes, who have managed to balance the demands of their sport with the rigors of their academic pursuits.The Mountaineers' academic success is not limited to the team's collective achievements. Five individual student-athletes were named ITA Scholar-Athletes, a prestigious honor that recognizes their exceptional academic performance. Brooke Gruber, Brooke Demerath, Olwyn Ryan-Bovey, Taya Powell, and Maggie Pate have all demonstrated their commitment to excellence, with Gruber earning the award for the second time. This impressive accomplishment highlights the depth of talent and dedication within the Appalachian State University tennis program.

Fostering a Culture of Academic Excellence

Head coach Hannah Fetters has played a pivotal role in cultivating a culture of academic excellence within the Mountaineers' tennis program. In her first year at the helm, Fetters has witnessed an impressive 90 percent of her student-athletes receiving either Dean's List or Chancellor's List distinction, a remarkable achievement that underscores the team's unwavering commitment to their studies.This academic success is not limited to the current roster; it is a testament to the program's long-standing tradition of excellence. The Mountaineers have maintained a streak of 24 consecutive semesters with at least a 3.0 GPA for all athletes, a remarkable accomplishment that speaks volumes about the program's dedication to developing well-rounded student-athletes.

Mountaineers Lead the Way in Division I Tennis

The Appalachian State University tennis team's academic achievements are not just a local or regional phenomenon; they have garnered national recognition. In 2024, a total of 1,573 Division I women's student-athletes were named ITA Scholar-Athletes, and 255 programs earned the prestigious All-Academic Team distinction. The Mountaineers' five honorees are the most the program has seen since the 2021 season, further solidifying their position as leaders in the academic realm of Division I tennis.To be named an ITA All-Academic Team, programs must maintain a grade-point average of 3.2 or above on a 4.00 scale, a benchmark that the Mountaineers have consistently exceeded. Similarly, for student-athletes to be named ITA Scholar-Athletes, they must be varsity letter winners and maintain a grade-point average above 3.5 on a 4.00 scale, a testament to the exceptional academic prowess of the Appalachian State University tennis team.