PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Plymouth State University has earned the Little East Conference (LEC) Presidents’ Cup for the 2025-26 academic year, announced LEC Commissioner Albert D. Bean, Jr.. Plymouth State’s student-athletes completed the year with a 3.38 average cumulative GPA among the University’s 21 athletic programs that compete in the conference.

The LEC Presidents’ Cup measures the highest average cumulative grade point average among the student-athletes from the Conference’s nine primary member institutions that compete in the league’s 24 championship sports. 

“Congratulations to Plymouth State University on winning the highly coveted Little East Conference President's Cup as the highest achieving academic program in the Conference,” said Bean. “I would like to extend my congratulations to President Don Birx, Athletic Director Kim Bownes, the entire Panthers coaching and support staff and most certainly, to all of the student-athletes who worked hard to achieve at a high level in the classroom.”

This marks the second time over the past three years that Plymouth State has won the LEC Presidents’ Cup, and is the Panthers’ third LEC Presidents’ Cup win overall. PSU earned the Little East’s most prestigious academic honor for the first time following the conclusion of the 2017-18 academic year.

A total of 20 Plymouth State teams earned an average cumulative GPA of at least 3.10, 15 of which had an average cumulative GPA of at least 3.30, including five teams with an average cumulative GPA above 3.50. The men’s cross country program posted a department-best 3.72 average cumulative GPA, while the top women’s team was women’s ice hockey with a 3.21 average cumulative GPA.

"This honor reflects the kind of educational experience we strive to provide at Plymouth State—one that challenges students to excel academically, compete with integrity, and grow as leaders. The Presidents' Cup is a powerful reminder that academic achievement and athletic success are mutually reinforcing. Our student-athletes have demonstrated exceptional commitment in both arenas, and this recognition speaks to the culture of excellence they help create across our campus,” said Donld L. Birx, president of Plymouth State University.

“I couldn't be prouder of our student-athletes for the work they've put into the classroom,” said Plymouth State Director of Athletics Kim Bownes. “Earning their degrees is why they're here, and their academic success is the greatest measure of their achievement. Excelling in the classroom while committing countless hours to the sport they love is a remarkable accomplishment and the true definition of success.”

For the fifth time in the award’s history, each of the LEC’s nine member institutions posted an average cumulative GPA above a 3.00 for the recently completed academic year. The first three spanned the 2019-22 academic years, and the most recent was the 2024-25 academic year. 

Bean said, “it was a very strong year in the classroom for the Little East Conference as all nine of our core members had an overall GPA of 3.11 or better. My congratulations to all of our LEC student-athletes for making a commitment in the classroom, in competition and for what you do in our communities. We're very proud of your countless achievements and the balance that you keep while participating in intercollegiate athletics - carrying a full-time course load, supporting your communities both on and off campus, and in many cases working to help pay for your education. Well done!”

Five of the LEC’s nine member institutions have won the Presidents’ Cup in its history - Eastern Connecticut State University, Keene State College, UMass Dartmouth, Plymouth State University and Vermont State Castleton. Eastern Connecticut holds the record for the most LEC Presidents’ Cup wins with seven.

2025-26 LEC Presidents’ Cup Standings
1. Plymouth State - 3.38
2. Southern Maine - 3.35
3. UMass Boston - 3.34
4. Keene State - 3.33
5. Vermont State Castleton - 3.32
6. Eastern Connecticut - 3.30
7. UMass Dartmouth - 3.20
8. Rhode Island College - 3.12
9. Western Connecticut - 3.11

About the Little East Conference
The LEC was formed in 1986 when six public institutions gathered to create a single sport athletic conference and has expanded into what is now New England's premier athletic conference for public institutions in NCAA Division III. The LEC sponsors 24 championship sports, providing quality competition in every season for our student-athletes while following the Division III mission of passion, responsibility, sportsmanship and citizenship.

The Little East consists of nine primary institutions that encompass all six New England states –Eastern Connecticut State University, Keene State College (N.H.), UMass Boston, UMass Dartmouth, Plymouth State University (N.H.), Rhode Island College, University of Southern Maine, Vermont State University Castleton and Western Connecticut State University.