DePaul University Athletics
DePaul Athletics Concludes Outstanding Academic Year
7/13/2026 1:40:00 PM | ATHLETICS, ACADEMICS
CHICAGO – For the second-consecutive year, all 15 of DePaul Athletics' varsity sports programs recorded above a 3.0 grade point average, accumulating a department-wide 3.579 GPA. This marks the second-highest department GPA in program history, on the heels of 2024-25's school record.
"After setting a program record grade point average last year, I really challenged our student-athletes and staff to continue to achieve our 3.5 GPA goal," said Senior Vice President and Director of Athletics DeWayne Peevy. "I'm incredibly proud of all they accomplished this year. Posting a 3.579 GPA as a department – the second-highest mark in program history – reflects the commitment of our student-athletes, coaches, academic advisors and support staff. Putting ourselves among the nation's best in academic performance is another example of how we continue to Dream Big."
In addition to 15 teams above a 3.0, 12 of DePaul's programs eclipsed a 3.5 GPA – the most in program history. This was highlighted by the Blue Demons' women's tennis program which recorded a team GPA of 3.804 – for the seventh-straight season above a 3.8 under the direction of head coach Marisa Arce. A total of four programs – men's indoor track and field, women's indoor track and field, men's outdoor track and field and men's soccer achieved program best GPA records.
"I could not be prouder of the academic accomplishments of our DePaul student-athletes," said Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) Dr. Jocelyn Carter. "However, the accomplishments only tell a small part of the story. These student-athletes are excited to learn, engage with challenging material and figure out how to use campus resources to help them when things are hard. I'm thankful for all our DePaul faculty and staff who support them and all of our hardworking students. It really is a team effort and we have the best team around!"
A record 198 students of all DePaul student-athletes recorded a 3.0 or higher, with 156 student-athletes above a 3.5 and a total of 28 earning a perfect 4.0.
The Blue Demons also closed out the spring quarter with a 3.561, featuring every program above a 3.1 GPA individually.
DePaul recently closed out the first edition of the DREAM BIG Strategic Plan under Peevy, which outlines five guiding principles for the Athletics Department – including Academic Excellence. This pillar emphasizes holistic student-athlete development – empowering Blue Demons to reach their academic, professional and personal goals while preparing to lead in life beyond college athletics.
Under Peevy's guidance since his arrival in Lincoln Park in 2021, the Blue Demons have recorded the top-three academic year department GPAs, excluding the pandemic. In his six years, DePaul's average GPA has risen to 3.516 from a 3.419 prior. Additionally, DePaul has reimagined the student-athlete experience with the launch of ELEVATE, an innovative student-athlete personal and professional development program, and expanded the depth of its Center for Student-Athlete Development.
ABOUT DEPAUL ATHLETICS
DePaul's 15 intercollegiate athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division I, BIG EAST Conference. DePaul University began sponsoring athletics teams in the early 1900's, with intercollegiate athletics coming to fruition in the 1920's. Legendary coach Ray Meyer helped put DePaul on the map in the 1970's as the men's basketball program helped elevate the university to national prominence. Through a bold new vision for the future, DePaul Athletics looks to become the premier program in the BIG EAST Conference through a focus on winning championships with integrity, building champion students through education and intentional development, and serving as a visible ambassador for DePaul University and the Chicago community. DePaul Athletics has a storied tradition and is uniquely positioned to support the university's mission and commitment to academic excellence, real-world experience, community engagement, and systemic change. Further, the department is steadfast in its commitment to grow the university's national exposure and enrollment.
"After setting a program record grade point average last year, I really challenged our student-athletes and staff to continue to achieve our 3.5 GPA goal," said Senior Vice President and Director of Athletics DeWayne Peevy. "I'm incredibly proud of all they accomplished this year. Posting a 3.579 GPA as a department – the second-highest mark in program history – reflects the commitment of our student-athletes, coaches, academic advisors and support staff. Putting ourselves among the nation's best in academic performance is another example of how we continue to Dream Big."
In addition to 15 teams above a 3.0, 12 of DePaul's programs eclipsed a 3.5 GPA – the most in program history. This was highlighted by the Blue Demons' women's tennis program which recorded a team GPA of 3.804 – for the seventh-straight season above a 3.8 under the direction of head coach Marisa Arce. A total of four programs – men's indoor track and field, women's indoor track and field, men's outdoor track and field and men's soccer achieved program best GPA records.
"I could not be prouder of the academic accomplishments of our DePaul student-athletes," said Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) Dr. Jocelyn Carter. "However, the accomplishments only tell a small part of the story. These student-athletes are excited to learn, engage with challenging material and figure out how to use campus resources to help them when things are hard. I'm thankful for all our DePaul faculty and staff who support them and all of our hardworking students. It really is a team effort and we have the best team around!"
A record 198 students of all DePaul student-athletes recorded a 3.0 or higher, with 156 student-athletes above a 3.5 and a total of 28 earning a perfect 4.0.
The Blue Demons also closed out the spring quarter with a 3.561, featuring every program above a 3.1 GPA individually.
DePaul recently closed out the first edition of the DREAM BIG Strategic Plan under Peevy, which outlines five guiding principles for the Athletics Department – including Academic Excellence. This pillar emphasizes holistic student-athlete development – empowering Blue Demons to reach their academic, professional and personal goals while preparing to lead in life beyond college athletics.
Under Peevy's guidance since his arrival in Lincoln Park in 2021, the Blue Demons have recorded the top-three academic year department GPAs, excluding the pandemic. In his six years, DePaul's average GPA has risen to 3.516 from a 3.419 prior. Additionally, DePaul has reimagined the student-athlete experience with the launch of ELEVATE, an innovative student-athlete personal and professional development program, and expanded the depth of its Center for Student-Athlete Development.
ABOUT DEPAUL ATHLETICS
DePaul's 15 intercollegiate athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division I, BIG EAST Conference. DePaul University began sponsoring athletics teams in the early 1900's, with intercollegiate athletics coming to fruition in the 1920's. Legendary coach Ray Meyer helped put DePaul on the map in the 1970's as the men's basketball program helped elevate the university to national prominence. Through a bold new vision for the future, DePaul Athletics looks to become the premier program in the BIG EAST Conference through a focus on winning championships with integrity, building champion students through education and intentional development, and serving as a visible ambassador for DePaul University and the Chicago community. DePaul Athletics has a storied tradition and is uniquely positioned to support the university's mission and commitment to academic excellence, real-world experience, community engagement, and systemic change. Further, the department is steadfast in its commitment to grow the university's national exposure and enrollment.
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