Heidelberg University's football season last fall was defined by more than wins and losses as the Student Princes set records for achievement in the classroom.
According to Head Coach Scott Donaldson, the team posted the strongest academic semester in program history, underscoring a culture that values excellence in every area.
Since the program began tracking academic data in Fall 2006, no fall semester has matched these results. The team recorded a 2.94 semester GPA, the highest fall GPA ever, and a 3.04 cumulative GPA, the highest cumulative mark in program history, fall or spring.
For Head Football Coach Scott Donaldson, the milestone is a powerful validation of the program’s philosophy.
“It means that we are recruiting the right type of student-athletes into this program and our coaches are developing our players the right way,” Scott said. “It proves that our way of doing things is working.”
Academic success is not treated as secondary to athletic performance within the program. Instead, it is intentionally built into the culture, with expectations tailored to each individual student-athlete.
“We set the vision of everyone within our program being the best version of themselves every day,” Scott explained. “Every student-athlete has different potential academically, so it’s about striving and working for their individual potential, whatever that ends up being.”
He added that recognition matters.
“It’s about setting the right culture that rewards and recognizes academic success as much as success on the football field.”
Collaboration is key
Scott emphasized that the achievement reflects a true campus-wide effort. Collaboration with the Owen Center for Teaching and Learning, academic advisors, faculty, and student support offices plays a vital role in the team’s academic foundation.
“Our players’ academic successes would not be possible without the amazing resources and people all over this campus,” he said. “There is constant communication – from the Owen Center to the coaches to the professors – to ensure everyone has the resources needed to be successful.
“Everyone on campus is here for our students’ success,” Scott added. “It doesn’t matter what department they work in or what their title might be. It truly makes Heidelberg a special place.”
Working the plan
A key driver of the team’s academic performance is the Academic Game Plan, a program that has guided Heidelberg football student-athletes for nearly two decades.
Scott explained, “It teaches the correct habits and skills to be successful academically – from daily and semester planning to note-taking and study habits.”
That structure is reinforced through consistent personal engagement.
“Our coaches have twice-weekly meetings with their student-athletes, making sure they’re not only creating the right habits, but most importantly, that they have every resource available to be successful.”
The impact of those efforts is clear across the roster. Among Heidelberg’s 155 football student-athletes this fall:
• 22% earned a 3.5 GPA or higher
• 54.84% earned a 3.0 GPA or higher (highest fall ever)
• 65.16% earned a 2.75 GPA or higher (highest fall ever)
• 80.65% earned a 2.5 GPA or higher (highest fall ever)
Looking ahead, Scott said the focus is on sustaining and building upon this success. “We’re going to keep celebrating these accomplishments. Having these accomplishments reinforces that what we’re doing works and that it needs to be continued with fervor.”
This historic fall semester serves as a defining example of Heidelberg football’s commitment to developing student-athletes who excel in the classroom, on the field, and beyond.