MESA, Ariz. – Aug. 12, 2025 – Mesa Community College (MCC) student athletes achieved historic academic success during the 2024–25 season, setting new college records with 82 individuals earning NJCAA All-Academic honors—nearly doubling last year’s total— and surpassing the previous high of 44. Ten teams received NJCAA Academic Team of the Year recognition, breaking the previous record of eight set in 2021–22.
To qualify for NJCAA All-Academic status, athletes must earn a GPA of at least 3.60 during the academic year. Those with 4.0 averages earn First Team recognition, those with GPAs between 3.80-3.99 qualify for the Second Team, and those with 3.60-3.79 GPAs are placed on the Third Team.
In total, 120 MCC student athletes earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher in 2024-25. Of those, 82 qualified for NJCAA All-Academic honors with a GPA of 3.60 or above. Thirteen student athletes earned GPAs between 3.50-3.59, and 25 earned between 3.00-3.49.
This season’s teams earning academic recognition include Women’s Tennis, Men’s Tennis, Women’s Cross Country, Women’s Basketball, Women’s Golf, Beach Volleyball, Softball, Baseball, Women’s Indoor Track & Field and Women’s Outdoor Track & Field. A full list of individual honorees and academic teams can be found at mesacc.edu/athletics.
“This historic academic performance reflects the collective effort of our student athletes, coaches and academic support staff,” said MCC Athletic Director John Mulhern. “It takes a team to reach this level of excellence, and we’re proud of the systems we’ve built to help our athletes succeed both on the field and in the classroom.”
MCC supports student athletes with a variety of academic resources, including designated study areas, coach-monitored academic progress and regularly scheduled team study sessions. The college also provides classroom spaces with technology access and a monitored library sign-in system to help athletes track and optimize their study time.
Since 2006, 475 MCC student athletes have earned NJCAA All-Academic honors by maintaining a GPA of at least 3.6. During that time, 89 Thunderbird teams have received Academic Team of the Year recognition for achieving a composite GPA of 3.0 or better. MCC continues to be one of the top-performing programs in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC), with 147 ACCAC Conference Championships, 114 Region I Championships, and 21 National Team Championships.
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Media contact: Drea Yazzie, [email protected] or 480-461-7056.
Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving over 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. For nearly 60 years, MCC has been a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges. The MCC American Indian Institute supports students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education and training. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional lands of the O'odham, Piipaash, and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu.
MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.