ASU, GSW honored for academic excellence

Staff Reports

Two Southwest Georgia baseball programs are once again proving success extends well beyond the diamond.

Albany State University and Georgia Southwestern State University were both recognized this week with the 2025-26 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Team Academic Excellence Award, honoring collegiate and high school programs that posted a cumulative team grade-point average of 3.0 or higher while being led by an ABCA-member head coach.

More than 500 collegiate baseball programs nationwide earned the distinction this year.

For Albany State, the award reflects a program that enjoyed success both academically and competitively during the 2025-26 season. The Golden Rams finished 31-18, advanced to the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship game and earned multiple All-SIAC honors while continuing the athletic department’s emphasis on developing student-athletes in the classroom and the community.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our student-athletes and coaching staff to achieving excellence both on the field and in the classroom,” Albany State said in announcing the honor.

Georgia Southwestern received the award for the seventh consecutive year, underscoring the Hurricanes’ sustained commitment to academic achievement.

The honor follows another standout season for Georgia Southwestern, which produced the Peach Belt Conference and ABCA Southeast Region Pitcher of the Year, the Peach Belt Conference Freshman of the Year and multiple All-America selections.

The Team Academic Excellence Award, presented by Sports Attack, recognizes baseball programs at both the collegiate and high school levels that maintain a cumulative team GPA of at least 3.0 during the academic year.

Founded in 1945, the American Baseball Coaches Association is the nation’s primary professional organization for baseball coaches. In addition to recognizing academic achievement, the ABCA annually honors players and coaches through its All-America, All-Region, Coach of the Year and Hall of Fame awards.