**LSU Baseball Receives 2024-25 Team Academic Excellence Award**
The LSU Tigers baseball program has long been synonymous with excellence on the diamond, boasting a storied history of championships, legendary players, and unforgettable moments. However, in the 2024-25 academic year, the Tigers added another prestigious accolade to their legacy—one that highlights their commitment to success beyond the field. LSU Baseball was honored with the 2024-25 Team Academic Excellence Award, a testament to the program’s dedication to academic achievement, discipline, and the holistic development of its student-athletes.
This recognition, awarded by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) in collaboration with the NCAA, underscores the Tigers’ ability to balance the rigorous demands of collegiate athletics with the pursuit of academic excellence. The award is given to programs that achieve a cumulative team grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher, reflecting a collective effort from players, coaches, and academic support staff. For LSU, this achievement is particularly meaningful, as it reinforces the program’s mission to cultivate not only elite athletes but also well-rounded individuals prepared for life after baseball.
Under the leadership of head coach Jay Johnson, LSU Baseball has emphasized the importance of academic success as a cornerstone of the program’s philosophy. Johnson, who took over the reins in 2022, has consistently stressed that while winning games is a priority, preparing players for long-term success is equally critical. This mindset has resonated throughout the team, fostering an environment where academic performance is celebrated just as much as athletic accomplishments.
The Tigers’ academic support system plays a pivotal role in this success. LSU’s Cox Communications Academic Center for Student-Athletes provides comprehensive resources, including tutoring, study halls, and time management workshops, ensuring that players have the tools they need to thrive in the classroom. The baseball program’s academic advisor works closely with each player to develop personalized academic plans, helping them navigate the challenges of balancing coursework with travel, practice, and games.
While the Team Academic Excellence Award is a collective honor, several players have distinguished themselves as academic standouts. Senior pitcher Luke Holman, a key contributor on the mound, has maintained an impressive GPA while majoring in sports administration. His ability to excel both academically and athletically has set a strong example for his teammates.
Infielder Steven Milam, another standout, has been recognized on the SEC Academic Honor Roll multiple times. Milam, who balances the demands of a rigorous kinesiology curriculum with his baseball commitments, embodies the student-athlete ideal. His dedication to his studies has been an inspiration to younger players, proving that success in the classroom is achievable even amid the pressures of Division I athletics.
Additionally, catcher Alex Milazzo has been a vocal advocate for academic accountability within the team. A veteran leader, Milazzo has emphasized the importance of time management and prioritization, often organizing study groups and encouraging his teammates to stay on top of their coursework. His leadership has been instrumental in fostering a culture where academic achievement is a shared goal.
Earning the Team Academic Excellence Award is no small feat, especially for a program with the travel and competitive demands of LSU Baseball. The Tigers’ schedule includes lengthy road trips, midweek games, and the grind of SEC play, which can make consistent academic focus challenging. However, the team has developed strategies to mitigate these obstacles.
One key factor has been the use of technology to stay connected with coursework while on the road. With the help of LSU’s academic support staff, players utilize online learning platforms to submit assignments, participate in virtual lectures, and communicate with professors. This flexibility ensures that even during extended road trips, academic progress remains uninterrupted.
Another critical component has been the team’s emphasis on accountability. Coaches and academic advisors monitor players’ progress closely, intervening when necessary to provide additional support. Regular check-ins and progress reports help identify potential issues before they escalate, ensuring that every player remains on track toward graduation.
While the Team Academic Excellence Award is a significant honor, its true value lies in what it represents for the players’ futures. Only a small percentage of collegiate athletes will go on to play professionally, making academic success essential for long-term career prospects. LSU’s commitment to education ensures that its players are prepared for life after baseball, whether in the business world, medicine, coaching, or other fields.
Several former Tigers have credited the program’s academic support system for their post-baseball success. Alumni have gone on to careers in law, finance, education, and sports management, leveraging the discipline and work ethic instilled during their time at LSU. The 2024-25 team’s academic achievement is a continuation of this legacy, proving that the program’s impact extends far beyond the diamond.
As LSU Baseball looks toward the future, the Team Academic Excellence Award serves as both a milestone and a motivator. The program’s ability to maintain high academic standards while competing at the highest level of college baseball sets a benchmark for other programs nationwide. With a strong recruiting class incoming and a continued emphasis on education, the Tigers are poised to remain a model of excellence in all facets of collegiate athletics.
For fans, this award is a reminder that LSU Baseball’s success is measured not only in wins and championships but also in the personal and academic growth of its players. The 2024-25 Tigers have proven that greatness is achieved both on the field and in the classroom, solidifying their place as one of the nation’s premier programs in every sense.
As the team prepares for another exciting season, the lessons learned from this academic achievement will undoubtedly translate into resilience, discipline, and teamwork—qualities that will serve them well in their pursuit of another College World Series title. The LSU Baseball program has always been about more than just baseball, and the 2024-25 Team Academic Excellence Award is a shining example of that enduring commitment.
In the end, this honor is a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence—a fitting tribute to a program that continues to set the standard for what it means to be a student-athlete.
