Lady Wildcats Top NAIA Academic Team Honor Roll

ATLANTA (July 21) – University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, Mercy University, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Bethel University (Tennessee), and Trinity Valley Community College sit atop their respective divisions in the 2025-26 WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Rolls announced Tuesday by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.

The WBCA Academic Top 25 recognizes college women’s basketball teams across the nation in their respective divisions that carry the highest combined GPAs inclusive of all student-athletes on their rosters for the entire season. A team must have a combined GPA of 3.0 or better and be nominated by its head coach, who must be a member of the WBCA, to be recognized. The 2025-26 season is the 31st in which the WBCA has compiled the honor rolls.

Green Bay, coached by Kayla Karius, finished first among NCAA Division I members for the second straight year with a 3.965 cumulative team grade-point average, which is also best overall across all membership divisions. Mercy, coached by Scott Lagas, claimed top academic honors in NCAA Division II with a 3.853 GPA. Nebraska Wesleyan, coached by Sydney Golladay, took top honors in NCAA Division III with a 3.897 GPA. Bethel, coached by Chris Nelson, was No. 1 in the NAIA division with a 3.829 GPA. Trinity Valley, coached by Precious Ivy, finished atop the two-year college standings with a 3.777 GPA.

“The WBCA is pleased to recognize those women’s basketball programs that have committed themselves to excellence on the court and in the classroom,” said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew. “The 119 ranked teams we honor this year across all five collegiate membership divisions strive to achieve all-around success, and we commend their efforts. Congratulations!”

Coach Nelson commented, “Our players have proven that you don’t have to choose between being successful and being exceptional people. They continue to win on the court, excel in the classroom, and, most importantly, win with people. The proof is in the pudding, and this award is a testament to their commitment, character, and the culture they’ve created together.”