Entering the spring, Katie Burnett (Jr., Mesa, Ariz., Arizona) owned a 3.62 Grade Point Average in chemistry/biology. Shannon Saunders (Sr., Tucson, Ariz., Rincon HS) owned a 3.58 GPA in sports administration, while Jessica Bixler (Jr., Oskaloosa, Oskaloosa HS) had a 3.53 GPA in biology.

The NAIA announced that 548 male and female track and field athletes were awarded the laurel.

To be eligible for the award, athletes must be of at least junior academic standing, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or above on a 4.0 scale, and have attended the nominating institution for at least one full academic year.

For a complete list of all the NAIA Track and Field Scholar-Athletes, click here