Academics rule at KVCC

Awards have been a pretty regular occurrence in the career of Cougar all star Jeannie Closson , but this one was very special.  She has been named a Distinguished Academic All American by the National Junior College Athletic Association by virtue of her perfect 4.0 performance in the  classroom over the past two years.  "We have had twelve Distinguished Academic All Americans over our 14 years, but Jeannie is the first with a perfect 4.0 for two years of work." stated a proud Cougar Coach, Ron Welch. "It's very special to accomplish this award, but the way Jeannie did it sort of puts her at another level and she did it in one of the toughest courses of study here at KVCC; pre-nursing.  Obviously we're very proud of her."  Student athletes must have at least a 3.8 GPA after two years to qualify for the award.

     Closson's 4.0 GPA was a catalyst for the rest of the Lady Cougars who were no slouches in the academic area themselves.  The 2008-09 team garnered a solid 3.21 team GPA for the academic year and was named as one of the NJCAA's Academic Teams of the Year.  "Academic excellence has become part of the tradition here in our women's basketball program." said Welch.  "It's a point of emphasis for us every year.  The reality is that they are here to get an education.  If we happen to win some games along the way all the better!  We couldn't be prouder."

     Joining the women's basketball team as an Academic Team of the Year was the Cougar softball team.  Led by Kalamazoo Valley 2008-09 Dale B Lake award winner for female student athletes, Katelyn Bryce, the diamond gems achieved an equally outstanding 3.15 team GPA.  Bryce was near perfect with a 3.95 GPA and had strong support from Parchment's Jennifer Chiechi who ended her valley career with a sparkling 3.75 GPA.

     Congratulations to both teams and their respective coaches for a job well done, both on the field and in the classroom!