TJC student athletes have produced 56 national championships for the College, with three of those coming in the 2016-2017 academic year.
Apache athletes proved to be champions in the classroom as well with 50 percent achieving a grade point average of 3.0 or higher for the year.
Women’s volleyball scored the biggest win with an overall GPA of 3.44, followed closely by women’s golf and tennis, 3.42 and 3.41, respectively. Twenty student athletes were at the top of their scholastic game with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
“I am proud of how well our student athletes perform on and off their respective playing fields,” said Dr. Tim Drain, TJC assistant vice president for athletics and student life.
“Students who participate in our athletic programs tend to achieve their goal of moving on to a four-year school. Last year, our transfer rate was 75 percent. These student athletes are not only continuing in sports, but also in their higher education.”
TJC alumnus and professional basketball player Jimmy Butler is a good example. His athletic and academic accomplishments in high school enabled him to attend any four-year college or university, yet he chose TJC first. He then transferred to Marquette University where he led his team to three play-off appearances and earned his Bachelor of Arts.
“It is an honor to work with the finest coaches and athletes in the country,” said TJC Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Juan E. Mejia.
“I am very proud of Dr. Drain for creating a culture of excellence, where our student athletes are celebrated for their academic achievements, in addition to their success on nationally ranked teams. The entire College community joins in celebrating each of the courageous team members who represented our world class institution as athletes and as scholars.”