The Allegheny Advantage

At Allegheny, the "student" in "student-athlete" does more than merely precede "athlete." Here, students are respected for wearing both hats: managing rigorous academic challenges and meeting the demands of highly competitive athletic programs. This balancing act requires time management skills, careful planning and a strong sense of values, yet it is accomplished every year.

Professors realize the special commitment required by athletics, and many faculty are among the most avid supporters of Gator teams.

"Allegheny students epitomize the philosophy of Division III athletics. These are men and women who combine the best elements of mind and body to achieve success in both the classroom and on the playing fields," says professor of economics and faculty athletic representative Janine Sickafuse.

Allegheny is especially proud to be a college where students can compete and succeed in athletics and in other areas of campus life, while still excelling in the classroom.

Over the last five years, the women's tennis team has averaged a team grade point average of 3.2. Last season, Allegheny was one of just 35 NCAA Division III teams given the distinction of being an All-Academic team by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association.

Former players such as 1993 graduate and Academic All-American Kristen Barclay are examples of the successes Allegheny student-athletes regularly achieve.

"It helped for me to become involved. As a student-athlete, I had to budget my time and get organized," said Barclay, Allegheny's all-time doubles wins leader and a magna cum laude graduate with a degree in biology. "It makes you well-rounded, and you need a balance in your life. As a team, we were there for each other not only from the athletic standpoint but also for academics."