“Seven Blue Devils Recognized for Excellence On and Off the Field with All-ACC Academic Honors”
Duke University has long been a beacon of excellence, not only in athletics but also in academics. The 2023–24 academic year further underscored this dual commitment, as a record-setting number of Blue Devils earned All-ACC Academic Team honors across multiple sports. Among the standout achievements was the men’s basketball team’s remarkable feat of having eight student-athletes named to the All-ACC Academic Team, the most in program history and the highest among all ACC schools that season. (Duke University, Duke University)
This accomplishment was part of a broader trend across Duke athletics, where 47 track and field athletes were recognized for their academic prowess, 20 baseball players earned All-ACC Academic Team honors—the most in the conference—and 13 volleyball players received similar accolades, leading the ACC. These recognitions highlight the university’s holistic approach to student-athlete development, emphasizing the importance of academic achievement alongside athletic performance.(Duke University)
The men’s basketball team’s success in this regard is particularly noteworthy. The eight honorees included two-time selections Jaylen Blakes and Kyle Filipowski, as well as graduate student Ryan Young. Sophomores Tyrese Proctor, Caleb Foster, Jared McCain, TJ Power, and Sean Stewart rounded out the group. To qualify for the All-ACC Academic Team, student-athletes must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA for the previous semester and cumulatively, and participate in at least 50% of their team’s contests. This rigorous standard underscores the balance these athletes maintain between the demands of their sport and their academic responsibilities.(Duke University, Duke University)
Duke’s emphasis on academic excellence is not confined to basketball. In track and field, 24 women and 23 men were honored, with several earning USTFCCCA All-America honors at the NCAA Indoor Championships. The baseball team, with its 20 selections, demonstrated a similar commitment to academic achievement, reflecting the university’s broad-based success across various sports. (Duke University, Duke University, Duke University)
The volleyball team’s 13 All-ACC Academic Team selections were the most by any school that year, further exemplifying Duke’s leadership in fostering student-athletes who excel both on the court and in the classroom. This achievement is a testament to the university’s comprehensive support systems, which include academic advising, tutoring, and time management resources, all designed to help student-athletes succeed academically.(Duke University)
These accomplishments reflect a broader institutional philosophy at Duke, where the integration of athletics and academics is a cornerstone of the student-athlete experience. The university’s commitment to this balance ensures that athletes are not only prepared for success in their respective sports but are also equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in their future careers. This holistic approach to education and athletics continues to set Duke apart as a leader in developing well-rounded student-athletes.
