The University of North Alabama's women's soccer team captured the United Soccer Coaches Academic Award, recognizing the highest collective GPA among Division I women's programs.
A Record‑Setting Academic Season
The team posted a 3.76 cumulative GPA, outpacing 415 other programs and sharing the top spot with four peers. This figure represents a program record for a roster that exceeds 20 athletes.
The honor places North Alabama among four United Soccer Coaches members that earned the award this year, joining Austin Peay, Central Arkansas and Eastern Kentucky.
Coach Chris Walker praised the student‑athletes for balancing rigorous academics with competitive play, noting that the award reflects the department's broader mission of developing scholars and athletes.
The Lions are set to open their season against the ETSU Buccaneers on August 12 at 5 p.m. CT at Summers‑Taylor Stadium in Johnson City, Tennessee, a venue that will host the first of many upcoming contests.
Since the Division I era began, 24 academic‑related awards have been earned by 11 players, underscoring a long‑standing tradition of excellence both on the scoreboard and in the classroom.