CLEVELAND, Ohio – For the fourth consecutive year, Lander University Athletics led the Peach Belt Conference in D2ADA Academic Achievement Award recipients, with 189 student-athletes earning the honor during the 2025-26 academic year.

The 189 honorees are an increase from Lander's 172 recipients in 2024-25 and continue the Bearcats' run of academic success across the department. The total was 52 more than the closest PBC school in Flagler who had 137.

To qualify for the D2ADA Academic Achievement Award, a student-athlete must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale, complete a minimum of two years or four semesters of college-level work, and be an active member of an intercollegiate team during the academic year.

Nationally, more than 21,000 student-athletes were recognized for their academic achievements representing 179 insitutions.

Lander student-athletes posted a 3.37 department GPA during the 2025-26 academic year, an increase from the previous year's 3.31 mark. For the first time in department history, all 27 Lander sports recorded a full-term GPA above 3.0.

The Bearcats also continued to excel in additional academic honors throughout the year, with 66 student-athletes earning Peach Belt Conference All-Academic Team recognition across the fall, winter and spring seasons. Lander also produced four PBC Elite 18 award winners, honoring the student-athlete with the highest GPA at each PBC championship.