Seventeen University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) student-athletes have been recognized as Presidential Scholar-Athletes for the 2025-26 academic year, a distinction that highlights both scholarly achievement and athletic dedication.
A Tradition of Scholarship
The Presidential Scholar-Athlete Award, now in its thirteenth year, was established during the 2013-14 season and has grown into one of the most inclusive academic recognitions within the America East Conference.
To earn the honor, candidates must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher, complete their degree requirements within the 2025-26 cycle, and have been enrolled at UMBC for at least two years.
This year’s cohort brings the total number of honorees since the program’s inception to more than 1,100, underscoring the conference’s emphasis on integrating classroom success with varsity competition.
The university’s athletic departments, ranging from women’s swimming and diving to men’s lacrosse, have each contributed multiple scholars, reflecting the breadth of talent that spans UMBC’s 19 varsity teams.
Among the celebrated students are those who majored in fields as diverse as Computer Science, Biological Sciences, and Financial Economics, illustrating the institution’s commitment to interdisciplinary excellence.
America East’s comprehensive academic award program stands out nationally, honoring over two‑thirds of its student‑athletes for classroom performance, a testament to the conference’s dual focus on athletics and education.
University officials praised the achievement as a reflection of UMBC’s supportive environment, where coaches, faculty, and staff collaborate to foster holistic development.