View the NSCAA release

PHILADELPHIA – The La Salle women's soccer team has earned the NSCAA College Team Academic Award, the organization announced Thursday. The team posted a 3.45 GPA to deserve the nod, the second-highest of any program in the Atlantic 10. 

"It gives me such joy to see our high achieving student-athletes receive so many wonderful accomplishments for their hard work and commitment both in the classroom and on the field," head coach Paul Royal said. "It's a real testament to our leaders over the years who made being a complete student-athlete an integral part of our culture. Over the years, each member on this team has taken such pride in their academic integrity and performance.  In the last three years, our girls have raised the bar even higher by averaging nearly a 3.5 GPA."  

The NSCAA annually recognizes college and high school soccer programs that have excelled in the classroom, in addition to their work on the field. A total of 862 college soccer teams (269 men, 593 women) posted a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher, thereby earning the NSCAA Team Academic Award for the 2012-13 academic year.

The recognition marks the 11^th consecutive season the Explorers have gained the distinction, four more than any current A-10 program. Jourdan McVicker and Kelsey Haycook both earned A-10 Academic All-Conference status this fall along with being named CoSIDA Academic All-District. 

"With this outstanding achievement, I would like to personally thank our academic support staff, Brother John and Christine Cahill, for their personal investment and dedication in all of our student athletes; our coaches Ally and Melissa for their timeless belief in each student-athlete; and our players and parents for believing in our Lasallian mission of personalized teachings," Royal said.