TOWSON, Md. – Joe Petro has been honored as a 2025 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America® At-Large Team selection, becoming the first-ever Towson University men's lacrosse player to earn this distinction.
 
Petro was selected as a Third Team CSC Academic All-American®, being rewarded from strong performance on and off the field.
 
The CSC At-Large Program encompasses several different sports across the NCAA.  On the men's side, it includes fencing, golf, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rifle, skiing, volleyball, water polo and wrestling. 
 
Petro was one of five Tiger men's lacrosse players to be named 2025 CSC Academic All-District® At-Large in June.  To be eligible, nominees must have a 3.5 or higher cumulative grade point average (GPA) of sophomore or higher academic standing.  The student-athlete also must have started 50% of games or played in 90% of contests.
 
Towson has had at least one CSC Academic All-American® each of the last three academic years.  Brian Benzing of men's swimming was a Second Team Academic All-American® in 2024 while Lauren Bolen of women's gymnastics was also a Second Team Academic All-American® in 2023.  Petro becomes the 39^th selection for Towson to the CSC Academic All-America teams.
 
In the classroom, Petro graduated this spring with a 3.98 grade point average, majoring in biology – cellular molecular.  Recently named a United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) Scholar All-American, he is a seven-time CAA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll member.
 
On the field, the Toledo, Ohio native earned All-America Honorable Mention recognition by Inside Lacrosse and USA Lacrosse as well as 2025 First Team All-CAA and CAA All-Tournament Team.  He finished the season 25 caused turnovers, tied for sixth in Towson single season history, and added 50 ground balls, helping Towson to an undefeated league season and the 2025 CAA Tournament title.
 
The CSC Academic All-America® teams are voted on by CSC members across North America.