The Eastern Mennonite University women’s soccer team has been given the Team Academic Award by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). The awards recognizes the team GPA from the 2015-16 academic year.
This is the second year in a row the soccer women have claimed the Team Academic Award. The program also had a four-year run from 2001-04.
“This is a reflection of the importance that our athletes put on academics and how it can set them up for success after college,” said Coach Ted Erickson. “Last year we had one Yoder Scholarship winner and multiple runner-ups who are still in the Honors Program here at EMU. The academic success of prospective students is certainly something that we factor into the recruiting process, and really make sure that not only do they love the soccer program and the direction it is heading, but they also need to see themselves fitting into a certain major here at EMU and succeeding in that academic field.”
The NSCAA recognizes college teams with a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher with the award. The NSCAA started its team academic award in 1996.
Entering this weekend’s game against Hampton University, the Royals hold a record of 5-5-1, including 2-2 in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. This is the first-ever meeting between EMU and the D-I Pirates. Saturday’s game time is 1 p.m. in Harrisonburg.