University of Richmond Athletics
Spider Cross Country Teams Recognized for Academic Excellence for 24th Consecutive Year
02/04/2026 | Cross Country
RICHMOND, Va. — The University of Richmond cross country programs continue to set the standard both in the classroom and on the course, as the Spiders earned NCAA all-academic team honors from the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) for the 24th straight year.
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The annual recognition is awarded to programs that post a cumulative team GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, based on student-athletes listed on the institution's NCAA squad list. Richmond's women led the way with a 3.54 cumulative GPA, while the men recorded a 3.41.
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"Our student-athletes continue to represent the very best of what it means to be a Spider," said Lori Taylor, director of track and field and cross country. "They compete with purpose, prepare with discipline and take tremendous pride in their academic work. Reaching this milestone for the 24th consecutive year speaks volumes about their commitment and the culture we've built."
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Taylor added that academic excellence remains a foundational pillar of the program.
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"Each season, our goals are clear — succeed academically and compete for Atlantic 10 championships," she said. "Seeing both our men's and women's teams consistently achieve those goals is incredibly rewarding and reflects how deeply we value their education within our program."
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Head men's coach Steve Taylor echoed that sentiment, highlighting the balance required to maintain such a standard year after year.
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"The level of dedication these student-athletes show is exceptional," he said. "They take their academic responsibilities seriously while training and competing at the highest level of the NCAA. That kind of balance doesn't happen by accident — it's driven by focus and a genuine desire to excel in everything they do."
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"This recognition is a direct result of their work ethic," Taylor continued. "From recruiting through graduation, academic success is emphasized and embraced by the team and our staff. Our teams consistently work to meet those expectations in the classroom, and this honor is a reflection of that mindset."
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A complete list of NCAA all-academic team honorees is available in the links about for both the men's and women's programs.
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The annual recognition is awarded to programs that post a cumulative team GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, based on student-athletes listed on the institution's NCAA squad list. Richmond's women led the way with a 3.54 cumulative GPA, while the men recorded a 3.41.
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"Our student-athletes continue to represent the very best of what it means to be a Spider," said Lori Taylor, director of track and field and cross country. "They compete with purpose, prepare with discipline and take tremendous pride in their academic work. Reaching this milestone for the 24th consecutive year speaks volumes about their commitment and the culture we've built."
Â
Taylor added that academic excellence remains a foundational pillar of the program.
Â
"Each season, our goals are clear — succeed academically and compete for Atlantic 10 championships," she said. "Seeing both our men's and women's teams consistently achieve those goals is incredibly rewarding and reflects how deeply we value their education within our program."
Â
Head men's coach Steve Taylor echoed that sentiment, highlighting the balance required to maintain such a standard year after year.
Â
"The level of dedication these student-athletes show is exceptional," he said. "They take their academic responsibilities seriously while training and competing at the highest level of the NCAA. That kind of balance doesn't happen by accident — it's driven by focus and a genuine desire to excel in everything they do."
Â
"This recognition is a direct result of their work ethic," Taylor continued. "From recruiting through graduation, academic success is emphasized and embraced by the team and our staff. Our teams consistently work to meet those expectations in the classroom, and this honor is a reflection of that mindset."
Â
A complete list of NCAA all-academic team honorees is available in the links about for both the men's and women's programs.
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Women's Cross Country A10 Championship Preview
Friday, October 31
Men's Cross Country A10 Championship Preview
Friday, October 31
Alumni Open Recap
Saturday, August 30
Women's Cross Country Season Preview
Thursday, August 28