Notre Dame Baseball Receives ABCA Academic Excellence Award
The University of Notre Dame’s baseball program has been recognized with the American Baseball Coaches Association’s Team Academic Excellence Award for the 2025‑26 academic year, underscoring the team’s commitment to scholarly achievement alongside athletic performance.
The honor is reserved for teams that maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, a benchmark that the Irish have consistently met under the guidance of Coach Shawn Stiffler.
This marks the latest in a series of academic accolades for the program, which has now earned the award in every season since Stiffler assumed the helm. The recognition highlights a culture where athletic ambition and academic rigor are pursued in tandem.
A Broad Recognition Across College Baseball
The award was bestowed upon more than 440 collegiate programs nationwide, reflecting a growing emphasis on academic integrity within the sport. Sports Attack, the organization behind the initiative, presented the distinction as part of its annual celebration of teams that excel both on the diamond and in the classroom.
Notre Dame’s repeated success illustrates the program’s holistic approach, blending competitive drive with a dedication to student‑athlete development. The university’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the playing field, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in collegiate athletics.