The Lady Rattlers scored a perfect 1,000 on the academic
measurement rubric that takes into account student-athletes making satisfactory
progress toward graduation. Head Coach
Darlene Moore places an emphasis on academics, beginning with the recruiting
process. Moore’s team had a combined GPA of 3.10. That came on the heels of the team making
history with its fifth consecutive MEAC Cross Country championship.
“I made a promise when I was hired to bring in the best and brightest,” Moore said. “There are two sides to the equation. Sometimes you find an athlete in the recruiting process who hasn’t dedicated themselves academically. Unfortunately, I do not pursue those athletes because the university is here to graduate FAMU students. When you find that athlete that has rounded themselves and put in the work on the field and in the classroom, that’s when I decide that the athlete would look good in Orange and Green.”
NCAA President Mark Emmert sent out the letters of
recognition on July 26. The letter informed Moore that she and the Lady
Rattlers were selected as winners of the NCAA Public Recognition Award. This
honor indicates that the Lady Rattlers were ranked the Top 10 percent of all
Division I schools.
“Your team has demonstrated excellence in the classroom and
on the playing field, which sets a great example for all students,” Emmert
said.
FAMU Director of Athletics Milton Overton complemented Moore
and her team.
“The women’s cross country team at FAMU is the epitome of a
championship squad. It is widely known
that they are champions on the field and they do great work within the
community. This honor from the NCAA underscores their commitment to graduating
and getting it done in the classroom,” Overton said.