CLEVELAND, Ohio — Seven hundred twenty-two Gulf South Conference student-athletes were recognized as the Division 2 Athletic Directors Association (D2ADA) announced its 2025-26 Academic Achievement Awards. 

The announcement marks a nearly eight percent increase of recipients from the previous academic year. The Conference was represented by seven of 12 member institutions from the 2025-26 academic year. 

OFFICIAL RELEASE

Delta State led the conference with 219 honorees and was one of 15 institutions across Division II with 200-plus student-athletes recognized. Lee followed with 131, while UAH and Mississippi Christian surpassed the 100-honoree mark. In addition, Union, Valdosta State and West Alabama were also included. 

To qualify for this honor, the following must occur: (1) The AD must be a current dues-paying member of the D2 ADA; (2) The student-athlete must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, have attended a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college level work, and have been an active member of an Intercollegiate team during their last academic year.