student-athletes

Among the 23 honorees, nine UofL student-athletes achieved Academic Team status for the second time in their career. This includes notable players like wide receiver Chris Bell, defensive lineman Ashton Gillotte, offensive lineman Michael Gonzalez, center Bryan Hudson, long snapper Shai Kochav, tight end Josh Lifson, defensive lineman Ramon Puryear, defensive lineman Mason Reiger, and placekicker Brock Travelstead. These players have consistently shown their commitment to academic excellence, and this recognition highlights their hard work on and off the field.

Impressively, this marks the 26th consecutive semester in which UofL’s student-athletes have maintained a department-wide GPA of 3.0 or higher. The collective GPA for the fall 2023 semester was an impressive 3.364.

The group had the chance to interact with professionals in the business sector at Pacers Sports & Entertainment, where they received an exclusive tour of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. They also visited adidas Indianapolis for insights into potential career paths.

This marks the second-highest GPA for a semester in the history of UK Athletics, just shy of the record set in the spring of 2020. The GPA of 3.534 achieved in the spring of 2020, which was aided by the pass/fail policy in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, exceeded the previous record set in spring 2014.

This marks the most selections for the Louisville program since the 2017 season, when four players were taken. The Cardinals have had at least one player selected in 12 of the last 14 seasons, and head coach John Michael Hayden has seen seven players drafted in his five years with the program.

The University of Kentucky’s commitment to academic success is evident in the fact that this year’s graduating class brings the total number of athletes who have received their degrees to 168. This makes 2023 the most successful calendar year for graduates in the history of UK Athletics.

This report specifically considers freshmen who entered the university during the 2016-17 academic year, and it reflects the steady rise in Louisville’s GSR over the past 19 years, increasing by nearly 30% since reporting began. It is a testament to the university’s commitment to supporting and nurturing the academic success of their student-athletes.

Kentucky’s NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) for the freshman classes of 2012-13 through 2015-16 was an impressive 92 percent, matching the record set in each of the past three years. This continuous improvement showcases the dedication of the student-athletes and the unwavering support from the coaching staff and the CATS (Center for Academic and Tutorial Services).

During the SEC Career Tour, student-athletes will have the chance to connect with human resource recruiters, submit their resumes for entry-level jobs and internships, and gain valuable knowledge of professional branding. The group is scheduled to visit the headquarters of several corporations and organizations in the Atlanta area, including Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Jackson Spalding, Microsoft, Learfield, and Trilith Studios. They will also have the opportunity to meet with SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and learn insights into building effective business relationships and best practices for job seekers.

First up is Ellie Fazio from Horsham, Pennsylvania. Fazio, who attended Mount Saint Joseph Academy, is still undecided on her major. When asked why she chose Louisville, Fazio cited the team culture. She believes in the positive and hardworking atmosphere at Louisville and feels like the team is a true family.