INDIANAPOLIS - Four of IUPUI's 16 athletic programs earned NCAA Public Recognition Awards after scoring in the top 10 percent of their sports in the most recent Academic Progress Rates. The IUPUI men's golf, women's soccer, women's tennis and volleyball programs were recognized in the most recent APR cohort, which spans from 2013-2017. 

"To have four of our teams nationally recognized by the NCAA for ranking in the top 10 percent of all Division I institutions is a credit to the hard work our student-athletes are doing, while balancing the tough demands of being a student-athlete at a high research activity institution," IUPUI Director of Athletics Dr. Roderick Perry said. "This recognition shows exemplary academic performance by our student-athletes, coaches and staff. 

"Our student-athlete success in academics and athletics continues to reach new heights. These performances are true indicators that you can achieve success in both areas. Our academic staff and coaches are focused on retaining and graduating our student-athletes at the highest level. They should be applauded for their hard work and diligence in their roles in assisting our student-athletes in achieving success."

The APR is an annual scorecard of academic achievement calculated for all Division I sports teams. Teams earning Public Recognition Awards increased to 1,284, up by 79 from the previous academic year, largely as a result of an increase in perfect scores. APRs for programs in the top 10 percent ranged from 985 to a perfect 1,000, and the number of teams posting perfect scores increased to 1,188, marking an increase of 98 teams from last year.

This marks the fifth straight year head coach Chris Johnson's soccer program has been honored while it's the fourth straight year for head coach Steve Payne's volleyball team. The men's golf team was honored for the third straight season and the women's tennis program was recognized for the second straight season. 

"I applaud every program earning a Public Recognition Award this year for their commitment to going above and beyond to prepare students for life after college through academic achievement," NCAA President Mark Emmert said.

IUPUI ranked tied for second among the 10 Horizon League schools with four programs being honored. In addition, the Jaguars tied for third among the 10 D1 schools in the state of Indiana, trailing only Notre Dame and Valparaiso. 

The full APR release from the NCAA will be announced on Wednesday, May 23.