CHARLOTTE, NC- The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) continues to honor its member institutions with the highest grade point average (GPA) to demonstrate its focus on the importance of academic success and standards for the upcoming year.  As the athletic seasons are well underway, teams will also be competing academically for the highest team GPA award. 

The Chowan University softball team earned the top GPA among 12 CIAA member institutions with a 3.47 average. The Hawks have earned the honor six times in program history.

In addition to their success in the classroom, the Chowan softball team posted a 29-14 overall record in 2016 including a 14-0 mark in CIAA regular season play.  The Hawks also captured their sixth CIAA Northern Division title in program history, their second in as many seasons.  Chowan ended the 2015 season as runner-up at the CIAA Championship. 

"I am extremely proud of our CIAA student-athletes on their commitment to academics," said Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams. "These achievements not only remind us of the importance of balancing athletics and academics, it displays success toward the CIAA and NCAA Division II missions in developing and preparing student-athletes for graduation and the next chapter beyond their collegiate experience."

 Virginia Union University is the recipient of the most awards [four honors] for the 2015-16 academic year. The Panthers men's golf team topped all CIAA golf programs with a 3.57 grade point average. The men's basketball program ranked the highest with a 3.00. VUU received two awards for its women's track & field programs. The Panthers captured the highest team GPA (3.17) for Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field.
 
Johnson C. Smith University and Saint Augustine's University both received three plaques for their team academic accomplishments.
 
Amongst all sports, Shaw University's men's tennis program finished with the highest overall GPA with a 3.89 average.