Highline ranks third among colleges with eight or more teams in the NWAC

Highline College Athletics was honored as one of the top five schools in the 2014 Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Academic President’s Cup for academic performances of student-athletes and third amongst colleges with eight or more teams. Additionally, 10 Highline second-year student-athletes were named to the Fall NWAC All-Academic Team.

“Anytime our student-athletes excel in the classroom, it is a direct reflection of Highline Athletics’ commitment to our academic program, the tireless work of our academic adviser, and the endless efforts of our coaches, faculty and staff who work very hard to ensure that each and every one of our student-athletes succeeds in the classroom,” said Highline Athletic Director John Dunn.

The President’s Cup is awarded to institutions based on the academic performance of their athletic teams. Points are awarded for student-athletes who complete 36 credits, 72 credits, complete a certificate, and degree completion. Amount of points awarded are determined by student-athletes’ GPAs. The NWAC awards one cup to institutions who offer eight or more sports and another cup to institutions who offer seven or fewer sports.

The student-athletes named to the Fall NWAC All-Academic Team for earning a 3.25 GPA or higher were:

Volleyball
Megan Smith, Maple Valley, Wash.
Danielle Tabor, Olympia, Wash.
Leone Tanielu, Kent, Wash.
Alexandria Toth, Beaverton, Ore.

Men’s Soccer
Armando Castillo, Des Moines, Wash.
Matthew Cruz, Kent, Wash.
Kloh Phillips, Kent, Wash.

Women’s Soccer
Adrianna McMahon, Auburn, Wash.
Madissen Ostergaard, Sutter Creek, Calif.

Cross Country
Joseph “Joey” Walker, West Seattle, Wash.

The awards are both based on credit and GPAs from the 2013-2014 academic year. Student-athletes named to the Winter and Spring All-Academic Teams will be announced in January 2015.

In addition to the outstanding academic performance of the Highline student-athletes this fall, all teams have been bringing home titles on the field as well. Both men and women’s soccer finished the regular season tied for first place in the NWAC West Division with Peninsula College. Playoff games begin this week.

Highline cross-country runner Endalkachew Abebaw finished first at the 2014 NWAC Northwest Region Cross-Country Championships, with three of his teammates also finishing in the top 20.

Women’s volleyball is currently third in the West Division.

These rankings do not include the Highline men’s wrestling team that competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association and was ranked number one in the nation for its academics for the 2013-2014 academic year.

For more information on Highline College Athletics, visit athletics.highline.edu.