BU student-athletes continue to make the grade

Despite the changing environment as Binghamton University prepares for its move to NCAA Division I athletics, nearly 350 student-athletes are continuing a tradition of combining athletics prowess with academic success.

In the fall semester, student-athletes from Binghamton’s 19 varsity teams maintained an average grade-point average of 3.01 — a figure that mirrors that of the entire campus. Close to 60% of student-athletes achieved a 3.0 or higher, while 28% soared to a 3.5 or better.

Senior women’s soccer player Jamie Kissel (Pearl River/Nanuet), who led the Bearcats to a 13-6-1 season and ECAC runner-up honors, was recently honored as a Scholar Athlete All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Kissel, who is the program’s all-time scoring and points leader, achieved a perfect 4.0 in the fall, and carries a cumulative GPA of 3.88. Senior Phil Conte (Patchogue/Patchogue-Medford) was named to the Scholar Athlete All-Region Team after steering the men’s soccer team to 11 wins and an ECAC berth.

A total of nine athletes from seven different teams achieved a perfect 4.0 for the semester.