Pepperdine Athletes Hit Record 3.39 GPA This Fall

Pepperdine University's student-athletes just proved that championship performance isn't limited to the field. This fall, the athletics department achieved its highest semester GPA in recorded history at 3.39, shattering the previous record set just one semester earlier.

The numbers tell an impressive story. Nearly 80% of student-athletes maintained at least a 3.0 GPA, while almost half achieved 3.5 or higher. That's a significant jump from the 3.2 average the department held in previous years.

Director of Athletics Tanner Gardner says the achievement reflects the university's core vision. "If we were just excelling in the competition, to me that would be unsatisfying," he explains. "If we were just excelling in academics, that would be unsatisfying."

The success isn't accidental. Pepperdine provides student-athletes with dedicated academic counselors, a specialized study lab, and a tutoring program built around their demanding schedules. Emily Garrison, a junior on the swim and dive team, says almost all her teammates have used the tutoring resources.

Jordan Holm, assistant director of academics for athletics, credits the support system but knows where the real credit belongs. "Student-athletes are ultimately the ones that deserve credit at the end of day," he says. "Really proud of them for just being able to balance the demands of being a Division I athlete and the rigors of a high academic institution."

The academic excellence came alongside impressive athletic achievements. Women's Soccer won their second consecutive conference title, Men's Water Polo finished ninth nationally, and the volleyball team's head coach earned his 200th win.

The Ripple Effect

The record GPA reflects a deeper shift in how Pepperdine approaches student-athlete development. Coaches now recruit with academics in mind, knowing the university's reputation depends on producing well-rounded graduates, not just winning teams.

The department has even started hosting Waves networking nights twice monthly, connecting current student-athletes with alumni and professionals. Garrison attended one focused on business opportunities and internships, calling it a highlight of her Pepperdine experience.

For schools watching from the sidelines, Pepperdine's approach offers a winning playbook: dedicated support systems, high expectations, and a genuine commitment to putting "student" before "athlete" creates champions in every arena.