LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- For the fifth straight year, the Christopher Newport men's lacrosse program received the National Scholar Team Award from the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association after excelling both athletically and academically throughout the 2025 campaign.

Originally awarded in 2021, the prestigious honor is bestowed upon programs that have attained a team GPA of 3.0 or higher. Along with CNU, only 10 other teams in the country have earned the distinction during each of the past five years.

In addition to shining in the classroom, the Captains advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the fifth straight season this spring. Remarkably, Christopher Newport is the only program from any level of the NCAA that has reached the Quarterfinals and earned the National Academic Team Award during each of the past five years.

Headlining this year's scholarly achievers, three Captains garnered Academic All-District citations. Brett Kelley, Daniel Siaton, and Jamie Smith were all recognized by the College Sports Communicators after each standout boasted a cumulative GPA above 3.50 while appearing in at least 60 percent of the team's games. Smith was also named the Coastal Lacrosse Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Overall, 32 Captains wrapped up the spring with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, while the entire team had a 3.1 mark.

In addition to the academic success, Christopher Newport finished the year with an 18-4 record while slotting sixth in the final USILA National Coaches Poll. While making a run to the NCAA Quarterfinals, the Captains knocked off five nationally-ranked opponents and posted nine wins against teams that advanced to the playoffs.

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