WISE – Each year the athletic department recognizes the top men's and women's team overall grade point average for the academic year. This year, the GPA award winners are the men's and women's cross country programs.

Under the guidance of head coach Sarah Smith Carlson, the women's cross country team claimed an overall 3.55 team grade point average while the men's cross country team posted an overall GPA of 3.15 for the year. This is the first GPA title for both cross country programs in the last three years. Women's golf and men's tennis previously won the team GPA award following the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.

Due to scheduling changes within the South Atlantic Conference, neither cross country team was able to compete in outside competition this year. However, several individuals participated in distance events during the spring season and their dedication in the classroom was unmatched.

Six members of both the men's and women's team received Dean's List recognition during the 2020-2021 academic year. Additionally, three women's runners were named to the Virginia Sports Information Director's Academic All-State team. Lexie Rhoton (education major) of Duffield, Virginia, and Kaley Sykes (biology major) and Haley Sykes (biology major) of Clintwood, Virginia were three of six UVA Wise Academic All-State honorees. Sophomore Haley Sykes maintained a 3.955 GPA, marking the highest cumulative GPA among all UVA Wise student-athletes