Mercy University Athletics Wins Consecutive NCAA Division II Presidents' Award for Academic Excellence

In December 2023, Mercy University Athletics earned the NCAA Division II Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence for the second year in a row.

The award, now in its 13th year, is bestowed upon qualifying colleges and universities that achieve an Academic Success Rate (ASR) of 90 or higher. Considered to be a strong measure of student athletes’ academic performance, Mercy earned a 94 ASR and was one of just three institutions in its member conference (ECC) to hit the 90 or higher benchmark. Mercy also ranked ninth out of 312 Division II schools nationwide, a further testament to the university’s motivated athletics community.

Matt Kilcullen Jr., assistant vice president of athletics at Mercy University, says this award is due to Mercy’s supportive culture where students thrive.

“This tremendous recognition is a culmination of the hard work put in by our student athletes with terrific support by the coaching staff of each team, PACT mentors, professors, and tutors in the Learning Center. We are very proud of this honor, especially since it’s the second year in a row earning it.”

Mercy University’s dedication to academic excellence and athletic success is demonstrated in its student athletes, who embody the Presidents’ Award.

Carly Diolosa ‘24, a graduate student on the Women’s Lacrosse team and President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at Mercy, is grateful for the support she receives from the athletic department.

“Being a student-athlete has been an amazing experience! Thanks to the support from athletics, I was able to graduate early so I could pursue my master’s degree at Mercy while still playing lacrosse at a high level too. I’m grateful for the opportunities and resources I’ve been given.”

In addition to their academic triumphs, Mercy University athletes excel on the field of play. The Women’s Field Hockey and Soccer teams each made ECC tournament appearances last fall, while Women’s Volleyball played in the NCAA Division II tournament.

Men’s Soccer also made it to ECC Tournament play last fall while Men’s Lacrosse captured its fourth straight conference title.