WBCA Recognizes Yellowjacket Women’s Basketball Success in the Classroom

ATLANTA  – The Montana State Billings women’s basketball team not only excelled on the basketball court this season, but also in the classroom as it was recognized Thursday as having one of the top 35 team grade point averages in Division II as announced by the WBCA (Women’s Basketball Coaches Association).

“We are very extremely proud of our MSUB women’s basketball team for their outstanding academic and athletic achievements, and we congratulate them for their continued success in both areas,” MSUB Director of Athletics Dr. Gary Gray said.  “They truly exemplify the NCAA Division II theme of BALANCE between academic and athletic excellence.  In addition, we are equally proud of the leadership and mentoring provided by Coach Woodin and Coach Visger and thank them for their fine efforts.”

The Yellowjackets finished 15th in all of Division II with a team GPA of 3.472.  Last season, MSUB was 21st with a 3.405 GPA.  The Yellowjackets were just one of two schools from the Great Northwest Athletic Conference to make the top 25.  Saint Martin’s was second nationally with a team GPA of 3.668.  St. Thomas Aquinas College edged SMU with a 3.694 average to lead all of Division II.

The award, given in NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, NAIA and Junior College/Community College, awards teams throughout the nation that carry the highest grade point averages (GPA) for the entire season based on the nomination submitted by WBCA-member head coaches.

“This is a very important and deserving honor for our basketball team,” head coach Kevin Woodin said.  “I feel very fortunate to work with young women who are highly motivated on and off the court and truly understand the value of their education.”

Founded in 1981, the WBCA promotes women’s basketball by unifying coaches at all levels to develop a reputable identity for the sport and to foster and promote the development of the game in all of its aspects as a sport for women and girls.  For more information about the WBCA, please visit www.wbca.org.