Student Athletes

As the excitement of the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships reaches fever pitch, the participating teams are not only showcasing their skills on the court but also their dedication to academic success. The latest data on Graduation Success Rates (GSRs) reveals that these student-athletes are hitting the books just as hard as they hit the hardwood. The fields of 68 teams in both tournaments have a combined four-cohort average GSR of an impressive 90%.

As the bright lights of the state basketball tournaments illuminate Missouri’s hardwood courts, an inspiring tale of grit, determination, and unbreakable family bonds unfolds. At the heart of this narrative lies a trio of exceptional cousins, each carving their own path to greatness while defying conventional norms. Jordan Speiser, a 6-foot-1-inch junior at Lutheran St. Charles, has been a driving force behind her team’s remarkable journey to the Class 5 girls’ final four for the second consecutive year.