As students return to classes this week, Queens Head Baseball Coach James Cullinane calls academics the program's first pillar. "The academic standard inside of Queens baseball for our student-athletes has risen every year," Cullinane says. "Our players continue to raise the bar and set academic records year after year." Much of that credit, he says, belongs to the university's own professors and advisors, who he calls phenomenal partners.
But raising the bar doesn't come easy. Every player checks in at the start of the week on an academic habit and goal sheet, and each one gets an individualized study hall schedule built through TeamWorks, helping players organize academics, athletics, and their personal life all at once. A separate weekly mental training check-in gives players a low-stress space to self-evaluate and make adjustments as the semester goes on.
Johnny Joseph '27 is entering this year knowing exactly what to expect. "Through my four years here, all of my coaches have valued academics at an extremely high level," he says. "They pour into us, giving us the time and resources necessary to succeed, and they have a lot of pride in handling our academics." This includes cultivating a culture of ambition and individualizing the experience for each athlete. "The standard on the baseball team is to reach our semester GPA goal," he says. "We create a goal in the beginning of each semester and set a plan with the coaching staff on how we will get there. The expectation is that we create a real goal and work hard to achieve it."
Cullinane also gives credit to investments in the program that improved their team study area and support from Athletic Academic Advisors for their 3.35 average GPA last year, including eight 4.0 semesters from athletes.
"The degree our players obtain after graduating from Queens is REAL," Cullinane says. "The ability to thrive on the field in your time here and then thrive in your field after graduating is a major focal point for recruiting and development in the program."
Get Involved This Year
This kind of support doesn't happen without a community behind it. Royal Ralliers, our new way for fans, families, and alumni to show up for the Royals jersey, launches this fall: cheer from the stands, share a post, or start a conversation with a fellow fan. Learn more and sign up today.
We also invite you to mark your calendars for October 2-9, when the Queens Athletics community joins together in support of our student-athletes for Investing In Champions, the annual week of giving. Early giving starts now, and your support unlocks benefit tiers and Royals Club membership. If you're interested in building momentum and increasing the impact of your gift, reach out to us at athletics@queens.edu to set up a giving challenge.
