PRINCESS ANNE, Maryland - The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Department bowling team was recognized by the National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA), along with five student-athletes, for their academic achievements during the 2025-26 school year. 

The Hawks' bowling team earned the second highest team GPA among all NTCA affiliated NCAA bowling programs for the 2025-26 school year. UMES finished the school year with a 3.816 team GPA. The Hawks were behind only Jacksonville State University (3.876) by 0.06 among top team GPAs. 

UMES joins 60 teams to qualify for the NTCA All-Academic Scholar Team award, exemplifying their commitment to excellence on the lanes in addition to the classroom. 

In addition to the cumulative team recognition, five UMES student-athletes were recognized as NTCA All-Academic Scholar Athletes for the 2025-26 academic year. Sophomores Mariane Almeida, Ara Pitts and Sofia Tosto Valenzuela, along with seniors Jayda Gordon and Mariana Santos Rivero were recognized with this honor from UMES. Each of the five student-athletes recognized by the NTCA were also recognized named to the MEAC 2026 Bowling All-Academic Team. 

To be eligible for this individual recognition, student-athletes must have maintained a minimum GPA of 3.4 during the academic year. A total of 405 student-athletes from 68 NCAA bowling programs were recognized. 

"I emphasize academics not only because of the obvious reason of being eligible to participate in the sport we love, but I know what having a degree does for the possibilities down the road in life," UMES bowling head coach Ronald Simms Jr. said. "Having a degree can open more doors of opportunity at some point. And, by the way, if you are going to do it, then do it at a high level. It's your name that's on it. Go all in or don't go at all." 

In addition to the team's academic success this past academic year, the Hawks also capped a strong season as runners-up at the MEAC Tournament.