A few years ago, I was part of a campus focus group that wrote, "Because Tribe athletes truly are William & Mary students, there should be no distinction between one and the other, except that Tribe athletes take on the substantial additional demands of intensive athletic training and Division I intercollegiate competition, the NCAA's highest level."
As we celebrated Commencement last weekend, the hallmark of W&M Athletics – that our athletes are first and foremost students – was fully evident. The joy in seeing our
graduating student-athletes, adorned in stoles denoting that status worn over their academic robes, cross the stage with their classmates and receive their degree in person was incredible. These young women and men graduate having been refined through the crucible of competition as well as in the classroom, prepared to lead lives of principled achievement. The intensity of that crucible during this pandemic year makes their accomplishments all the more remarkable.
Gallery: (5-21-2021) Class of 2021 Graduation
In an article on TribeAthletics.com, our Tribe Scribe
Dave Johnson highlighted the impressive post-graduation plans of several student-athletes. As Chancellor Gates observed during the Commencement ceremony, they alongside their fellow W&M graduates embark upon life's journey "destined to make a difference." Let me share some of our student-athletes' collective academic accomplishments:
- The Provost Award recognizes student-athletes with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- 231 student-athletes received the award in 2021 – a record eclipsing the prior mark by 42%.
- 18 teams had five or more recipients.
- 14 teams set program records for the number of recipients.
- The Colonial Athletic Association selects outstanding student-athletes for the Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll.
- 318 W&M student-athletes were named to the Honor Roll this year, the most of any conference member.
- All 23 W&M teams had individuals honored.
For W&M Athletics in 2020-21, it's been a year like no other. Amid all that has changed, talented young men and women are still drawn to William & Mary to compete for the Tribe. They come embracing the challenge of this university – seeking it out, knowing the lifelong benefits it will produce. This past year tested us all. Our student-athletes adapted and excelled, further developing the grit that will serve them well far beyond their years in Williamsburg.
To all of our student-athletes, coaches and staff – and to all the family and friends who have supported them through the challenges they faced – well done.
And to our newest alumni, congratulations and Godspeed as you embark upon your next chapter. Wherever life may take you from here, know that you will always belong at William & Mary.
Far more than a rallying cry at games, "Go Tribe" is an encouragement to all William & Mary people to strive for excellence, persevere and press on toward principled achievement in whatever endeavor they pursue. As always, and particularly to our newest alumni, Go Tribe!
All the best,
Jeremy
Jeremy P. Martin Ph.D. '12 MBA '17
Interim Director of Athletics
William & Mary
