UTEP Miners

UTEP Athletics Takes Second in CUSA SAAC Cup

8/4/2025 10:12:00 AM

EL PASO, Texas – UTEP Athletics finished runner-up in the 2024-25 CUSA SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) Cup standings. The award, presented to first-place Kennesaw State, was given to the institution with the highest overall point total amongst the member schools. The areas of emphasis for the SAAC Cup include academic excellence, career development, financial literacy and community service.

The Miners scored a total of 39 points. UTEP was edged out by the Owls (43 points) for the CUSA SAAC Cup title, while Jax State landed in third place (34 points) and NM State in fourth (33 points).

"We're incredibly proud of this recognition," said Amanda Pulido, Director of Student-Athlete Development at UTEP. "It reflects the passion, leadership, and commitment our student-athletes have shown in academics, community service, and career development throughout the year. It's also a testament to how competitive and engaged our campus has become in driving the mission of SAAC and Student-Athlete Development forward. We're honored to be among such driven peers and even more motivated to come back stronger next year."

UTEP student-athletes excelled in the classroom during the 2024-25 athletic year. The Miners established school records with 246 members on the CUSA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll (minimum 3.0 grade point average), and 87 earning CUSA Commissioner's Academic Medals (minimum 3.75 GPA).

The Miners also completed a total of 1,443 community service hours during the 2024-25 athletic year. UTEP hosted over 15 professional development events for its student-athletes.

"At UTEP, we take great pride in being more than athletes — we're leaders, scholars, and advocates for change," added Pulido. "From hosting impactful events to elevating student-athlete voices, we've worked hard to create a culture of excellence both on and off the field."

Representing UTEP on the 2025 CUSA SAAC are football student-athlete Tyrone D. McDuffie III and track and field student-athlete Alexa Rangel.

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