ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - At Lewis University, it's not uncommon to see student-athletes hustling across campus, darting from one class to the next — sometimes still in full practice gear, squeezing in a lecture before heading straight to practice. At Lewis, success isn't just measured on the field or court — it's equally evident in the classroom. Over the past year, the Flyers have brought home multiple trophies, but the athletic department has also achieved "next-level" success academically.

In the 2024-2025 academic year, all 22 of Lewis' athletic programs finished the year with a team GPA above 3.0. The department-wide GPA was a remarkable 3.457. Even more impressively, 84% of student-athletes posted a GPA above 3.0, and a record-breaking 342 Flyers earned Academic All-Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) honors.

These numbers are no accident. Behind the scenes is a strategic, well-supported structure that prioritizes academic accountability and tailor-made journeys for student-athletes.

At the heart of that effort is Sean Dwyer, Lewis' Athletics Success Coach. His role is unique and central. Each student-athlete is assigned to a "Flyer Success Network" upon arriving on campus, which includes a Faculty Mentor, a Success Coach based on their academic major, and Dwyer himself.

"Building a strong academic community behind each student-athlete has provided a strong foundation for them to succeed," Dwyer said. "We help advise for classes, monitor progress and NCAA eligibility, and keep them on track to complete their degree. It's a team effort."

One of the hallmarks of the program is its proactive approach. First-year student-athletes, in particular, benefit from early relationship building and mentoring that sets expectations for academic achievement.

"My goal with first-year student-athletes is to build relationships right away—not just to support them when they're struggling, but to celebrate their wins," Dwyer explained. "The more I connect with them early, the more I can help them understand the culture of academic excellence here at Lewis."

That culture isn't confined to just individual teams—it's embraced across the entire department.

"The level of competitiveness our coaches and athletes show on the field carries over into academics," Dwyer said. "We've created an environment where academic achievement is something to be proud of—and our teams rally around that."

Support systems at Lewis go well beyond mentorship. The university offers robust tutoring services, dedicated study areas, and faculty who are deeply committed to working around demanding athletic schedules.

"As a Lasallian institution, Lewis is invested in meeting students where they are," said Dwyer. "That includes understanding the realities of team travel, training, and competition. Strong relationships and clear communication between faculty, coaches, and athletes help ensure we're all aligned on expectations."

That alignment is paying off — in significant ways.

Sixteen of the university's 22 programs earned the Academic All-GLVC Team Award by maintaining a team GPA over 3.30. It's a standard that few institutions can match, and one that the Flyers aim to raise even higher.

While wins, rankings, and championships are easy to measure, Lewis continues to define success with a broader lens—one that honors the full experience of its student-athletes.

"The goal is graduation," said Dwyer. "But it's also growth. We want our athletes to leave Lewis not just as competitors, but as complete people—confident, capable, and ready to lead. And academics are a huge part of that journey."