NEWPORT NEWS, Va.— Atlantic 10 Conference student-athletes set records last semester, but not for on the field accomplishments. The league announced that 1,470 of its student-athletes excelled in the classroom in the fall semester, earning Commissioner's Honor Roll distinction. 

There were 126 Mason student-athletes among the 1,470 that earned the award. The Patriots women's track and field team led all Mason team's with 16 student-athletes earning the honor. Women's rowing (15), lacrosse (13), men's track and fielld (11), women's swimming and diving (11), softball (10) and women's soccer (10) each had at least 10 recipients. Men's tennis had five members of their team attain the honor and women's tennis and golf each had four honorees representing approximately half of the team.

The 1,470 represents an average of 105 honorees per institution, a record average for the league. That surpasses the average of 103 set in the spring of 2014. The 1,470 total also is the highest number of student-athletes to achieve the distinction in a 14-member Atlantic 10 since prior to 2007, making it the most during Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade's tenure. It eclipsed the previous record of 1,369 set during the Spring 2012 semester. It is the eighth straight semester that over 1,300 student-athletes have earned the distinction.

To be listed on the bi-annual Commissioner's Honor Roll, a student-athlete in an Atlantic 10-sponsored sport must have a 3.5 GPA or better (on a 4.0 scale) during the specified semester. Freshmen are eligible to receive the award.