Women’s Soccer Honored by NSCAA For Highest Team GPA in NCAA Division III

NSCAA TEAM ACADEMIC AWARD

St. Louis, Mo., December 6, 2011 – Following a season where the Washington University in St. Louis women’s soccer team advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals, the Bears were recognized for their work in the classroom with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Team Academic Award.

Washington University posted the highest grade-point average (3.65) among all NCAA Division III teams for the 2010-11 academic year, and were ranked second behind Central Michigan University (3.70) for tops in all Divisions.

“I am extremely proud of our women on and off the field,” said Washington University fourth-year head coach Jim Conlon. “We strive to be scholars in the classroom while in pursuit of a championship. Our women’s priorities and discipline have allowed them to be successful.”

In addition, Washington U. had 23 student-athletes earned Academic All-University Athletic Association (UAA) honors for carrying a minimum grade point average of 3.3: Emma Brown, Darcy Banco, Becky Berels, Allie Betley, Natalie Callaghan, Lauren Clatch, Kate Doyle, Lee Ann Felder, Emily Gosché, Mari Greenberg, Rachel Haas, Caitlin Heim, Rachel Ing, Clara Jaques, Jessica Johnson, Nicole Martin, Alyssa Marulli, Ashley Nault, Michelle Peterson, Jodi Rosenzweig, Kate Sanner, Lauren Steimle and Hilary Stepansky.

Washington University completed the 2011 season with a school record 18-5 overall mark, and advanced to the NCAA Division III Quarterfinals for the fifth time in school history. The Bears also placed second in the UAA with a 5-2 mark. Washington U. was ranked No. 9 in the final NSCAA/Continental Tire Post-Season Top-25 Poll on Tuesday.

A total of 789 programs in all divisions of NCAA and NAIA soccer (218 men, 571 women) earned NSCAA Team Academic Award honors with GPAs of 3.00 or higher. To see a complete listing of this year’s NSCAA College Team Academic Award recipients, visit: http://www.nscaa.com/a730.