Student-athletes who choose Daemen University can expect the highest level of support thanks to an incredible and elaborate system of resources dedicated to their success.

With a 90 percent academic success rate (the percentage of student-athletes who graduate within six years of initial collegiate enrollment), it’s no surprise that the university is one of just two East Coast Conference members to be awarded the Presidents’ Award for Academic Excellence, a prestigious honor that demonstrates the university’s commitment to its student-athletes’ success in both academics and in the game.

This is the first time since gaining full NCAA membership status in 2015 that Daemen has received this award.

“We are overjoyed to receive this recognition from the NCAA,” said Traci Murphy, director of athletics. “It’s evident that academic success is a priority here, and this is an award that our entire campus can share in. Our coaches recruit talented student-athletes who embrace the opportunities they’re given, both in competitive athletics and in the classroom. To assist them, we have incredible support services in place which clearly make a difference. While our teams have experienced competitive successes, the ultimate championship game for us will always be graduation day, and receiving this award makes that stance just a little bit sweeter.”

We spoke more with Murphy to hear more about the many resources our student-athletes have in order to support their all around success.

Right off the bat, Daemen’s coaches are there to encourage student-athletes to do well.

“Our coaches make sure potential student-athletes understand that academics is a priority,” Murphy said.

Coaches are also well-versed in Daemen’s programs and help those in the admissions and academic departments during the recruiting process.

They emphasize to student-athletes that their years at Daemen will prepare them for the next 40 years of their life, encompassing what they learn in the classroom as well as on the field of competition, Murphy explained.

Daemen has extensive resources in place to help student-athletes succeed in university.

Practices are scheduled around classes and the athletics department goes to great lengths to minimize the amount of missed class time for student-athletes due to travel for away competitions, Murphy said.

Coaches go the extra mile to help teach student-athletes the valuable skills and time management strategies that can greatly assist them to balance the rigors of academics and athletics.

Also, dedicated staff members, study hall sessions and study table requirements all contribute to student-athletes success.

Daemen also offers the DC Will Lead Academy, a leadership development opportunity for student-athletes that we run entirely in house; and the Whole Athlete Initiative, a holistic approach that helps provide support in various areas, including mindfulness, mental performance, emotional resilience, well-being and even mental health education, that could elevate mental health and improve performance.

Overall, Daemen has an incredible system of support to help meet student-athletes where they are and provide them with a healthy balance of both academic and athletics education – and everything in between.

Visit the Daemen Athletics website to learn more about all Daemen has to offer its student-athletes on their quest for success.