PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University women's cross country team has been recognized by the NCAA for ranking in the top 10 percent for Academic Performance Rate (APR) scores in 2014-15, it was announced Wednesday.

Women's cross country achieved a perfect four-year APR score of 1000, the lone Cougar team to receive a perfect four-year score.

"I congratulate women's cross country for its continued excellence as this year it sets the standard for all our athletic programs to strive for," said WSU Director of Athletics Bill Moos.

The honor is given to programs whose multi-year Academic Progress Rate scores are among the top 10 percent of all squads in their respective sports. The public recognition awards are part of the broad Division I academic reform effort.

"I applaud the WSU's women's cross country program, and all our athletic programs, for their tremendous commitment to the highest academic standards," said WSU Faculty Athletics Representative Ken Casavant.

The latest APR score takes into account the previous four academic years, this latest score beginning with 2011-12. WSU women's cross country has registered perfect single-year APR scores for each of the last four academic years (2011-12, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15).

The APR provides a real-time look at a team's academic success each semester or quarter by tracking the academic progress of each student-athlete on scholarship. The APR accounts for eligibility, retention and graduation and provides a measure of each team's academic performance.

Multi-year APR scores for all Division I athletic programs, including the teams receiving public recognition awards, will be announced April 20.

--wsucougars.com—