KANSAS CITY, MO – The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) announced its Team Academic Award for the 2013-14 academic year, and the Wilmington soccer programs are one of 188 programs to earn the award in both genders, the association announced today (November 24, 2014).
The NSCAA annually recognizes college programs which have achieved the standard, which is a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher. A total of 861 collegiate soccer teams (279 men's teams, 582 women's teams) qualified.
The women’s team, coached by Steve Spirk, finished the year with a 3.25 cumulative GPA. It marks the seventh straight year and 12th overall, Wilmington has won the team academic distinction from the NSCAA.
“Receiving the NSCAA Team Academic Award is very important to our program,” said Spirk. “We are honored and have received this National Award since 1997. When recruiting student-athletes to our program we are looking for good students and good players.”
The men’s program, coached by Bud Lewis, finished last year with a 3.02 cumulative GPA as a team. It’s the second consecutive year the men’s program has taken home the award.
“The National Soccer Coaches Association Team Academic Award is a great achievement for our program,” said Lewis. “Less than ten percent of Men's intercollegiate Soccer programs are recognized for this award and this is the second consecutive year we have accomplished this goal. Our players have collectively worked very hard for this prestigious academic recognition. Our players take a great deal of pride in doing quality academic work and receiving this award acknowledges their hard work and dedication both on and off the field. I couldn't be more pleased for them and the recognition it brings to the College and our Men's Soccer program.”
Founded in 1941 and based in Kansas City, Kan., the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) is a non-profit organization with a mission to educate coaches, encourage excellence and serve the soccer community.
The NSCAA is the world's largest soccer coaches' organization with members at every level of the game. The membership is primarily made up of coaches, but also includes administrators, referees and others in the soccer industry. The NSCAA provides its members ways to enhance the game of soccer by providing a national education program, interaction and networking opportunities, and membership benefits.
