LA MIRADA--- Biola Athletics promotes student-athletes success by encouraging student-athletes to thrive not only on their respective playing fields but also in the classroom. 

"We care deeply that our student-athletes succeed in their academics at Biola University," stated Athletic Director Dr. Bethany Miller. "This focus in the classroom and in co-curricular education prepares them to thrive in their careers after graduation. Our incredible faculty at Biola invest so deeply in the whole-person development of our students, and to see our student-athletes have such strong academic achievement has been a joy and directly impacts the positive career outcomes of our student-athletes!"

Biola's commitment to supporting student-athletes in their academic endeavors can partly be seen quantitatively through their academic accolades. In the past year, the Eagles have had 234 academic all-conference selections with all 16 programs represented and have had three programs receive scholar all-american honors. Men's soccer player Kristian Colaci was named a Third Team Scholar All-American last Fall by the College Sports Communicators and last Spring the women's and men's swimming and diving programs received Academic All-American team honors from the CSCAA.

Lizzy Birch, a women's water polo team captain, is a kinesiology major with a concentration in health and human performance. When Birch was asked about balancing her academics with her sport she talked about the importance of time management. 

"It's important to know when to say yes to activities and when you need to say no to stay in and study, which is just all about self awareness and discipline," reflected Birch. "Communication has played a huge role for me to teachers, classmates, coaches and remaining accountable. I treat my classes just the same as I do a game or practice by putting just as much hard work into the classroom to thrive there."

Birch continued, "I crave to succeed both in and out of the pool and Biola helps me do this in so many ways. I have great professors who understand and work with my schedule as well as amazing resources. Each person involved in my academics wants me to succeed and you see that through the many review sessions and tutors that are offered. I am able to put in the extra hours that are needed to grasp material well thanks to committed professors, TA's and students."

Please consider supporting the amazing work of the Eagles' dedicated student-athletes during our Athletics Week of Giving.