LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Competing at a high level is simply the Trojan way, and Little Rock student-athletes continue to prove that excellence extends far beyond the field of play. During the Fall 2025 semester, Little Rock Athletics posted an outstanding 3.49 department-wide GPA, surpassing the 3.45 cumulative GPA for the 2024–25 academic year and reinforcing the department's unwavering commitment to academic achievement.
This marks the 25th consecutive semester in which Trojan student-athletes have recorded a 3.0 GPA or higher, a remarkable streak that reflects sustained accountability, discipline, and pride in performance.
"Our student-athletes continue to raise the bar in everything they do," said Little Rock Director of Athletics Frank M. Cuervo. "They compete with toughness and pride in their sports, and they bring that same focus, discipline, and championship mindset into the classroom. These results reflect who we are as a department and the standards we expect to uphold every day."
Among the department's 235 student-athletes, academic success was widespread and exceptional:
• 129 Trojans (55%) earned Dean's List honors with GPAs of 3.5 or better
• 69 student-athletes (30%) landed on the Chancellor's List with GPAs of 3.9 or higher
• An incredible 71 Trojans—nearly one-third of the department—posted a perfect 4.0 GPA
Team results mirrored that excellence, with 14 of 15 programs recording a 3.0 GPA or higher, including nine teams finishing the semester at 3.5 or better.
"I'm extremely proud of the work our student-athletes put in the classroom," said Natalie Hawkins, Little Rock Senior Associate AD for Academics & Student-Athlete Support Services. "Our academic accomplishments reflect the dedication they bring to every part of their lives. The academic success of our student-athletes is truly a team effort, and I'm grateful for the commitment and support from our coaches and staff."
Little Rock Athletics also proudly celebrates the recent graduation of the following student-athletes:
• Kendra Brown, Soccer — Criminal Justice
• Jaeda Centeno, Soccer — Psychology
• Jack Cline, Baseball — Management
• Michael Gasper, Wrestling — Applied Communications
• Mackenzie Hendrix, Cross Country & Track — Marketing
• Stephen Little, Wrestling — Psychology
Through comprehensive academic support, intentional accountability, and a culture that demands excellence, Little Rock Athletics continues to prepare Trojans to succeed at the highest levels—during their collegiate careers and after graduation.
