Posted: Dec 06, 2011

Seahawk men's and women's soccer programs earn NSCAA College Team Academic Award

Salve Regina was among a list of 154 schools to have both its men's and women's programs recognized

NEWPORT, R.I. - The Salve Regina University men's and women's soccer teams have each been honored as recipients of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) College Team Academic Award. This marks the second consecutive year that both programs have earned the award.

In order to qualify for the award, teams must compile a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher. A total of 789 teams (218 men's, 571 women's) were announced as recipients for the 2010-11 academic year.

Of the 635 total schools to earn the award, Salve Regina was among a list of only 154 institutions to have both their men's and women's programs recognized.

The Salve Regina women's soccer team posted a 3.34 team grade-point average, while setting a program record with 13 wins on the season and earning berths in both the CCC and ECAC Championship tournaments.

"We are very excited to be recognized for this award again," says women's soccer head coach Kerri Scroope. The girls had a tremendous year, not only on the pitch with a school record of 13 wins and our first ECAC berth, but also once again proved they can get it done in the classroom. They continue to represent what a true Division III athlete is."

The men's soccer team went 7-9-3 this season, while earning a CCC Championship tournament berth and recording a 3.06 cumulative grade-point average.

"I am very pleased to see the NSCAA recognize our program in this way for the second straight year," says men's soccer head coach Craig O'Rourke II. "Academics is something that we stress and monitor very closely as we look to have each of our young men achieve their maximum potential, both on the field and in the classroom. Earning this award with such a young team – more than half of our 2011 roster are first-year students – speaks to the character and commitment of our freshmen class, and they are the foundation that our program is going to be built on these next few years."