18 varsity teams at Dordt University achieve academic excellence

Dordt University continues to shine both on the field and in the classroom, as 18 varsity athletic teams achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) during the 2023-24 academic year, according to the NAIA’s Scholar-Teams list. Several Dordt teams ranked in the top 10 nationally for academic performance, demonstrating Dordt’s commitment to developing well-rounded student athletes.

Leading the charge, Defender football ranks first in the NAIA among 93 total NAIA football teams, with a team GPA of 3.35. Only 25 football teams in the NAIA had a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This achievement highlights the team’s ability to balance the demands of a high-profile sport with top-level academic performance.

Another top academic performer is Dordt women’s cross country who holds the highest GPA of all Dordt teams with a 3.82 GPA and ranks sixth of 130 NAIA cross-country teams.

With a 3.63 team GPA, men’s basketball placed second out of 90 teams in the NAIA. The women’s volleyball team also did well academically, with a 3.80 GPA, ranking third out of 159 women's volleyball teams nationally.

Other notable achievements include:

• Women’s indoor track and field: Earned a 3.72 GPA, fourth among 95 teams.
• Men’s indoor track and field: Achieved a 3.46 GPA, securing a fourth-place ranking out of 73 teams.
• Men’s golf: Recorded a 3.52 GPA, ranking them 11th out of 113 teams.
• Women’s basketball: secured a 3.78 GPA, 11th out of 149 teams.

To see the full list, visit godordt.com.

NAIA Scholar-Teams must hold a minimum varsity team GPA of 3.0 with grades from both semesters included in the team GPA calculation.

This announcement comes on the heels of Dordt University being named to Niche’s 2025 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in Iowa, which highlights “top-ranked colleges [that] have both elite academic programs and competitive sports programs that support student athletes on and off the field.”

“At Dordt, we strive for excellence in athletics, but not at the expense of academic growth, leadership development, or our focus on faith,” says Athletic Director Dr. Darin Keizer. “The success of our athletics programs in the academic arena highlights the distinct, intentional way we approach both sports and academics at Dordt.”

Dordt's unique approach to competitive athletics is summarized in the Defender Way, which highlights how:

• We are committed to the Great Commission and Cultural Mandate.
• We are committed to equipping student-athletes to be servant leaders.
• We are committed to the academic development of all student-athletes.
• We are committed to the pursuit of championships.

The Defender Way is inspired by Romans 12:1: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your true and proper worship."

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.