The Ottawa University women's basketball team has made history by ranking 10th in the WBCA Academic Top 25 for the 2025-26 season, achieving a 3.695 team GPA. This recognition marks the third consecutive year the Braves have received this honor, showcasing their commitment to academic excellence alongside athletic performance. The team's GPA not only meets the WBCA's requirement of 3.0 but also highlights their continuous improvement in rankings each season. Ottawa joins a prestigious list led by Bethel (Tenn.), which topped the charts with a 3.829 GPA. Head Coach Hunter Bondurant expressed pride in the team's achievements, emphasizing the dual focus on academics and athletics.

By the Numbers
  • Ottawa University women's basketball team achieved a 3.695 team GPA.
  • Ranked 10th in the NAIA and celebrated for three consecutive years.
Yes, But

The WBCA honor reflects national academic standards, but it also highlights disparities among teams with differing resources and institutional support for student-athlete academics.

State of Play
  • Ottawa has steadily climbed the WBCA rankings over the past three seasons.
  • A total of 119 teams across all collegiate divisions received WBCA academic recognition.
What's Next

The Ottawa Braves aim to maintain their academic performance while pursuing further athletic success in upcoming seasons, focusing on balancing both aspects effectively.

Bottom Line

The Ottawa women's basketball program exemplifies the significance of academic commitment in collegiate sports, making it a model for balancing athletics with educational excellence.