The Briar Cliff women's golf program, under the direction of Marian Pesky, posted a school-best 3.52 grade point average, just ahead of the Briar Cliff's volleyball team. Former head coach Mary Miller's team earned the honor with a combined grade point average of 3.51. Miller's squad posted an 18-17 record a season ago. The men's basketball team posted the highest grade point average for a male sport at the Cliff, checking in at 3.34. The Chargers went 23-9, last season, and were ranked as high as fifth in the nation.

Head coach Mike Power not only led the women's basketball team to scholar team honors with a 3.20 grade point average, he also coached them to a 28-8 record and final four appearance at the NAIA National Tournament.

The Briar Cliff softball team, under the direction of Michelle Schaper produced a 17-20 record, while registering a cumulative grade point average of 3.14. Head coach Nate Treinen's track programs garnered much attention on the national stage, while also excelling in the classroom. The women's indoor track team produced a 3.09 grade point average, while the indoor women and indoor men posted identical 3.05 grade point averages.

 

Across the country, a record total of 857 teams earned the distinction, an increase over last year's total of 837. Biola (Calif.) and Hastings (Neb.) had the most teams represented by a school (16). NAIA women's basketball from around the country landed the top spot for total number of scholar teams per sport with 78 earning the honor. Meanwhile, over 14 percent of the teams receiving the award had a 3.5 or higher grade point average, including both the BCU women's golf and volleyball programs.