Triton athletics has fostered a competitive athletic program. The University of Missouri- St. Louis competes in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and at the NCAA Division II level. Where there are competitive collegiate athletic organizations, there are talented athletes to fuel the fire. Being a GLVC Division II university, UM-St. Louis has several ways of funding scholarships to draw select athletes to the Triton’s program.

According to the UM-St. Louis athletics website, the university sponsors 11 athletic teams, all which have numerous athletic scholarships available. For men, these teams include baseball, basketball, golf, soccer and tennis. On the women’s side, the teams with available scholarship funds are basketball, golf, soccer, softball, tennis and volleyball.

To be a UM-St. Louis athlete competing in intercollegiate athletics, there are certain standards to be met. High academic achievement is vital to remaining eligible for competition. According to the Triton’s athletic website, “The Tritons have a graduation rate that consistently ranks higher than the entire student population at UMSL and has established a cumulative grade point average of a 3.0.”

Some of the other requirements for competing in the UM-St. Louis athletic organization fall under NCAA standards. There are a variety of “core classes” that students must take in order to be classified and recognized as an NCAA athlete. For division II athletes, this list consists of 14 classes, including English, math, science, social science and additional courses.

Funding for athletic scholarships comes from a variety of organizations as well as public and private resources. One worldwide contributor is the University Sports Program College Placement and Scholarship program, USP. Students who apply to the USP program are evaluated based on academic achievement, athletic ability and community involvement.

If a student shows exceptional competency in these areas, the USP Placement program will work with the student and their schools of interest to find an athletic program that suits them athletically, academically and financially. The USP program also provides athletic scholarships to selected students.

The process of pursuing an athletic scholarship is one that consists of multiple steps; approval must go through several departments before disbursing any athletic scholarship funds. “It all starts with the coaches, then the recruitment process grows,” Jessica Chandler, UM-St. Louis Assistant Director of Athletics/Compliance, said. Once an athlete is considered for an athletic scholarship by the specific coach, both the UM-St. Louis athletic office and the NCAA clearinghouse review the student’s records. “The NCAA will certify amateurism, as well as academic ability,” Chandler said.

Trent Jones, UM-St. Louis volleyball coach, admits that each coach is different. “In regards to scholarships, we look for more than just ability,” Jones said. “We stress the importance of fitting into the culture of the team and university.”

Jones, who is entering his third year as the Tritons volleyball coach, also emphasized the importance of the parents. “I want the parents to feel like their daughter will be safe, both on and off the field. In a way we act as a third parent,” Coach Jones said.

Coach Jones also said in every program, baseball, basketball or volleyball, each head coach is bound by a certain amount to disperse to student-athletes.

“Our main focus, though, is the classroom,” Coach Jones said. “Academics, obviously, come first.”