The team grade point average in the athletic department was 2.78 in the fall semester, the highest in five years.

This represents 350 athletes in 17 sports.

Student Athlete Counselor Ingrid Schmitz has worked with City College and student athletes for 15 years. She considers herself their “personal agent.”

“Attendance is key to success,” Schmitz said. “We send out grade checks two times a semester to check in how the athletes are doing.”

This goes for every student in every sport at City College, Schmitz said. She added the grades are also given to each coach.

“If students are struggling with two or more unexcused absences, they are put on academic probation. No matter what their grade is,” Schmitz said.

The most difficult task student athletes face is “finding balance in their lives,” she added.

Most practices for the athletes are every day during the season and often during the off-season. Piled on that is study time, and for some, a paid job.

“It’s hard to play on a team and succeed in classes,” said Matt Floyd, a City College student who plays on the Vaquero baseball team.

“Games and practice take up a lot of time, and you are often too tired to study afterwards, Floyd said.

“But we get a lot of help to succeed and that’s probably why the department has the highest GPA.”

To help student athletes with the overwhelming load of schoolwork and practice, athletes are required to enroll in a Personal Development course.

“The course stresses time management, different learning styles, career planning, and transfer planning,” Schmitz said.

Out of the sports at City College, women’s golf has had the most success, with an overall 3.0 grade point average.

The Lady Vaqueros basketball team was close behind with a cumulative 2.96 G.P.A.

The team scored a 2.91 grade point average the last two semesters.

Schmitz said former athletes appreciate the available resources.

“All our coaches work really hard for student success. The coaches are rewarded when past student athletes come back to thank them,” Schmitz said. “We work through problems, attack weaknesses and develop self confidence. It’s a win-win for everybody. I just love seeing them succeed.”

-Zachary Doster is a Journalism 101 student.