The University of Montana winter athletics teams performed well on the court and on the track this season, but they also killed it in the classroom.

This week the Big Sky offices announced its All-Academic Team and honored 53 Griz athletes. The indoor track & field teams combined for 37 All-Academic team members and the Griz and Lady Griz basketball teams combined for 16 selections.

Fans may overlook the academic side of collegiate athletics, but the University views it as a top priority.

"Academic success is one of our cornerstones in Grizzly athletics," said University of Montana Director of Athletics Kent Haslam via text message. "I am extremely proud of how hard the student-athletes work and their commitment to getting things done in academics and competition."

It was extra special for the Lady Griz program. Head Coach Brian Holsinger's squad set a program record, excluding COVID years, with 10 selections.

"I am so proud of the Lady Griz who made All-Academic," said Holsinger via text message. "Having 10 of our young women achieve at this level academically shows that our culture is strong and we have great student athletes."

Holsinger echoed Haslam's sentiment about the importance of academics in athletics.

"One of our pillars in our program is Academic Excellence," said Holsinger.

In order to make the All-Academic team, student athletes must post a GPA of 3.2 or higher, compete in at least half of the team's competitions, and complete at least one academic term at their university.

Congrats to all the student athletes who proved it on the playing surface and in the classroom!

A complete list of the 2022-2023 All-Academic Winter Teams can be found here.

11 Montana Born Professional Athletes

21 Unique Courses at the University of Montana

Here are 21 unique courses that I bet you didn't know were offered at the University of Montana.

More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM