The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) has named its Academic Teams of the Year. Three Central Community College teams earned Honorable Mention.
The honor is presented to the team with the highest grade point average in each of the NJCAA's 27 sanctioned sports. The team minimum GPA to receive consideration is 3.00. The non-winning teams receive Honorable Mention honors.
CCC volleyball posted a 3.73 team GPA right behind Academic Team of the Year Barton Community College (Kan.), which finished with a 3.78 team GPA. The Raiders placed just ahead of Region IX foe North Platte Community College, which totaled a 3.72 team GPA.
"To finish second among NJCAA teams in the classroom is significant, especially when you consider the athletic schedule and the rigorous course schedule are students taking," said CCC head volleyball coach Mary Young. "As head coach, it is so gratifying to witness the growth and discipline of our team. Those skills will serve our athletes well in life as they move into competitive careers. Without question, this is a testament to our faculty and staff and entire campus that fosters a great learning environment."
CCC men's soccer also earned Honorable Mention honors with a team GPA of 3.10. The Raiders are the only Nebraska-based community college to make the list.
"We are honored that our men's soccer team earned NJCAA honorable mention recognition with its team GPA for the 2017-18 school year," said CCC athletic director Jack Gutierrez. "Many of the student-athletes were international students and their efforts in the classroom were a positive influence on the program. "
Rounding out the Honorable Mention honors for CCC is women's basketball, which posted a team GPA of 3.04 in Billy Perkins' first year as head coach.
"Earning NJCAA Academic Honorable Mention is something that will set a standard for our program and where we want to go on and off the court," said Perkins. "The team is well deserving of the honor because of the dedication each member has to be a good student-athlete. I am very proud of them and I am blessed to have coach this team."