Oakland, CA - The Mills College swimming and diving team has been recognized for academic excellence by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). One of only nine swimming and diving teams at universities and colleges nationwide to be honored as a 2006-07 NAIA scholar team, the women achieved an overall 3.31 grade point average, qualifying them for recognition.

According to the NAIA announcement, student-athletes around the country work diligently throughout the year for academic excellence at their respective institutions. More than 400 teams earned at least a 3.0 team grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) during 2006-07 academic year, as defined by its institution.  

“This outstanding national honor reflects the academic and athletic dedication of our student athletes,” said Neil Virtue, head swimming coach at Mills. “While studying and working, our team members spend 12 to 15 hours per week at the pool, 24 weeks a year. That says a ton about what kind of women they are.” Virtue has been a swimming coach for over ten years, working with swimmers of every age, background, and experience.

The NAIA is committed to high standards and to the principle that participation in athletics serves as an integral part of the total education process. The Association is dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics and provides student-athletes an environment that values academic and athletic excellence.

Mills College is a nationally renowned, independent liberal arts college offering innovative degree programs for undergraduate women, and graduate degree and certificate programs for women and men. Consistently recognized as one of the top 100 liberal arts colleges in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Mills currently ranks among the top 20 most diverse liberal arts colleges. The New York Times recently selected Mills as one of three leading California colleges for students to consider.

In 2006, the Washington Monthly College Rankings named Mills a leading liberal arts college based on community service, research spending, quality of preparation for graduate education, and social mobility. In addition, The Princeton Review’s annual guide, the Best 361 Colleges (2007) included Mills for the second year in a row among top U.S. institutions offering students an outstanding undergraduate education.

Nestled in the foothills of Oakland, California, on 135 lush acres, Mills provides a dynamic liberal arts education fostering women’s leadership, social responsibility, and creativity.

PRESS CONTACT:
Deborah Dallinger
Communications Consultant
925.788.9131