DEARBORN, Mich. - Eight University of Michigan-Dearborn athletic programs were honored by the NAIA for outstanding achievement in the classroom during the 2018-19 academic year, setting a new department record.

The Wolverines received eight NAIA Scholar-Team Awards, up from five one year ago and surpassing the department best of seven set in 2013-14.

For a team to be considered for the NAIA Scholar-Team award, it must have a minimum 3.0-grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) as defined by the institution. The team grade point average includes all eligible varsity student-athletes.

The Wolverine softball program led the way with a combined 3.26-grade point average, while the first-year UM-Dearborn men's bowling team was second at 3.16, followed by women's basketball and women's cross country teams at 3.14.

Volleyball (3.08), women's soccer (3.04), men's lacrosse (3.01) and men's cross country (3.00) were also honored by the NAIA.

The Wolverines had 12 eligible NAIA teams in 2018-19 and will have 14 this season with the addition of men's and women's golf.