Spartans Enjoy Fantastic Fall In Classroom

San José, Calif. – Despite facing unprecedented circumstances, San José State University's student-athletes enjoyed a fantastic Fall 2020 semester academically. 

Achieving an overall department G.P.A. (grade-point average) of 3.40, 38 student-athletes notched a perfect 4.0 G.P.A. for the semester. In addition, 280 student-athletes (over 50% of the department) finished with a 3.0 or higher. 
 
"Due to the effects of pandemic-related stressors, it has been more important than ever for our Spartans to come together with a common focus that was within our control," says Eileen Daley, Deputy Director of Internal Operations/SWA at SJSU. "That focus has been the path to graduation. The abrupt transition to online learning last spring and continued method of education this fall has created opportunities for our student-athletes to show us what they're made of. They have shown academic grit over the past 10 months and a persistent desire to succeed. Our athletic academic team has been there every step of the way - rooting them on, supporting their endeavors, and being the constant they needed. Being a student-athlete at SJSU means that you will have the tools and support to succeed on the path to graduation."

The success in the classroom this fall comes immediately on the heels of a record-setting 2019-20 year, when a department record 106 student-athletes and cheer squad members were recognized as either a San José State University President's Scholar or Dean's Scholar.
 
"Fall 2020 proved to be yet another challenging and difficult semester with continued online learning, however our student-athletes rose to the occasion and their grades provided proof that they are resilient and can overcome any odds put before them," says Julie Stansberry, Interim Associate Director for Student Athlete Success Services. "The guidance provided by the SASS (Student-Athlete Success Services) staff helped the student-athletes adapt to circumstances beyond their control. "This academic partnership resulted in the best Fall GPAs for more than half of our teams."

Paramount to that team-wide success are the program's academic advisors, who are there at all times for the Spartan student-athletes. 

"We are very proud of the men's water polo team's academic success, this shows that they understand their priorities as student-athletes and that graduating and getting their degree is number one," head coach Bruce Watson says. "I also know that the team has benefited from and really appreciates the fantastic help they receive from our team academic advisor, Annalisa Duarte, as well as the whole academic advising staff."

With a strong support staff from top to bottom at San José State, the future both on the field and in the classroom is a bright one for the Spartans - no matter what circumstances may arise along the way.