MACOMB, Ill. - The Western Illinois women's tennis program received national recognition by the NCAA on Thursday (June 14). The Fighting Leatherneck squad ranked among the 'Top 10' percent nationally in multi-year Academic Progress Rate (APR), scoring a perfect 1,000, and was listed in the Public Recognition Award.

Each year, the NCAA tracks the classroom performance of student-athletes on every Division I team through the annual scorecard of academic achievement, known as APR. The score measures eligibility and retention each semester or quarter and provides a clear picture of the academic culture in each sport. The most recent APRs are multiyear rates based on scores from the 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11 academic years. The remaining APR scores for all other sport programs will be announced by the NCAA next week.

For the second consecutive year, and third all-time, a Leatherneck sports program received the NCAA APR award as women's tennis joined softball (2009-10) and men's tennis (2004-05) in ranking among the 'Top 10' percent nationally among their respective programs. Head coach Chris Kane and his women's program also scored a perfect 1,000 multiyear APR in eligibility/graduation and retention.

"Women's tennis earning the APR recognition award by the NCAA is an incredible honor for the program, head coach Chris Kane, Leatherneck Athletics, and the Summit League. To be ranked among the top 10 percent nationally in multiyear APR speaks volumes to the program's dedication in the classroom," said Director of Athletics Dr. Tim Van Alstine. "Our women's tennis team consistently finishes among the department's semester grade point average leaders, and now being highlighted by the NCAA as a leader in multiyear APR is a great national award.

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