The University of San Francisco is committed to excellence in athletics as part of a larger commitment to educating students in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. USF Athletics is built upon Four Pillars of Success that aim to develop young men and women in this tradition: Excel in the Classroom; Win at the Highest Level of Competition; Engage in the Community; and Become Leaders in the World.
The entire department, including coaches, training staff, facilities and equipment personnel and administrators, work to support student-athlete achievement in each of the Four Pillars, develop leaders and support the principles of the West Coast Conference and the NCAA.I. EXCEL IN THE CLASSROOM
In 2014-15, USF student-athletes combined to post a 3.2 grade point average, which was higher than the general student population. More than half of all USF student-athletes earned West Coast Conference all-academic recognition.
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A total of 10 USF athletic teams produced scores of 980 or better in the 11th annual Academic Progress Rate (APR) statistics released today by the NCAA.
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USF's women's cross country (992) and track & field (992) programs received the highest scores of the Dons' 14 programs, while the women's volleyball program received a strong mark of 989. Seven other USF programs – men's track & field (987), women's basketball (986), men's cross country (985), men's tennis (985), women's soccer (984), women's golf (982) and women's tennis – registered scored of 980 or higher.
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Student-athletes from USF's women's track and field program were honored by the USTFCCA for compiling the fifth highest cumulative grade point average in the nation among more than 208 schools during the 2014-15 academic year.
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Three USF women's golfers were named Women's Collegiate Golf All-America Scholars for the 2014-15 season, as selected by the WGCA.
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II. WIN AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF COMPETITION
Over the years, USF teams have captured nine national team championships and has produced two individual champions. USF's men's soccer team has won five national championships while men's basketball captured the 1949 NIT title before winning back-to-back NCAA Championships in 1955 and '56 behind legends Bill Russell and K.C. Jones. USF teams have combined to win 76 conference championships. Most recently, the women's cross country team won five consecutive WCC Championships from 2009-13, which was the longest championship run by any women's team in conference history. Last year, USF's women's basketball team returned to postseason play for the first time since 2001-02 as the Dons landed a spot in the Women's National Invitation Tournament field. In January, Miguel Aguilar was selected in the first round (17th overall) in the MLS Draft by D.C. United.
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III. ENGAGE IN THE COMMUNITY
The mission of USF's athletics program goes far beyond competition. USF Athletics understands it has a strong responsibility to the individual growth of all student-athletes and is invested in the intellectual, social, moral, spiritual and emotional development of every person who wears the Green & Gold. This past year, USF student-athletes, coaches and staff involved themselves in various service projects in order to gain a better sense of the community in which they live, make a difference in the lives of others and develop a passion for genuine goodness. It's through this commitment to service leadership all members of the athletic department are inspired to follow their hearts and conscience to become greater persons of integrity and ethics.
IV. BECOME LEADERS IN THE WORLD
USF student-athletes graduate with the skills they need to succeed in whatever career path they choose. USF student-athletes will excel in setting and achieving goals throughout their college careers and beyond. Approximately 76 percent of recent USF graduates begin their full-time careers or pursue a graduate degree.
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