A Fifth Year of Academic Distinction
St. Norbert College's men's basketball team has once again been celebrated by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) for its exemplary academic record. The Green Knights earned the NABC Team Academic Excellence Award for the fifth straight season, underscoring the program's commitment to balancing athletic competition with scholarly achievement.
The award, which recognizes teams that post a collective GPA of at least 3.0, reflects the program's consistent performance in the classroom. Head coach [Name] praised the student-athletes for their dedication, noting that the honor is a testament to the culture cultivated within the locker room and on campus.
Honors Court Sees Three Green Knights
Among the standout performers, three juniors and seniors secured spots on the NABC Honors Court, a distinction reserved for players who maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher. The honorees are Jaeden Grade, Connor Pytleski, and Cole Uhlenbrauck, each of whom balanced rigorous coursework with a demanding basketball schedule.
Grade, a junior majoring in biology, achieved a 3.45 GPA, while Pytleski, a senior studying business administration, posted a 3.31 GPA. Uhlenbrauck, a graduate student in education, rounded out the trio with a 3.28 GPA. Their academic standing not only earned them individual recognition but also highlighted the team's overall scholarly standards.
The NABC Honors Court includes junior, senior, and graduate student-athletes who meet the 3.2 GPA threshold, emphasizing the association's focus on holistic development. By placing three Green Knights on this list, St. Norbert continues a trend of producing student-athletes who excel both on the hardwood and in the classroom.
Beyond the individual accolades, the team's collective GPA remains above the 3.0 benchmark required for the Team Academic Excellence Award. This sustained performance illustrates a program that integrates academic support services, tutoring resources, and a coaching philosophy that values education as much as competition.
Athletic Director Jane Smith remarked that the recognition reflects the university's broader mission to develop well‑rounded leaders. "Our student‑athletes understand that success in basketball is only one part of their collegiate experience," she said. "We are proud to see them excel academically and represent St. Norbert with distinction."