Central College’s soccer programs have once again been celebrated for their performance both on the field and in the classroom, as United Soccer Coaches named the institution among 75 schools receiving the organization’s academic team award for the 2025‑26 academic year.
Award Recognizes Academic Achievement
The Dutch women's soccer team secured the honor for the fifteenth straight season and for the eighteenth time overall, underscoring a remarkable streak of academic consistency that few programs can match.
The men's soccer squad also earned recognition, marking the thirteenth occasion the team has been highlighted for maintaining a collective GPA above the 3.0 threshold required for the award.
Coach Garry Laidlaw, who oversees the men's program, noted that the team posted a 3.27 cumulative GPA, while Coach Mike Kobylinski’s women's side achieved a 3.67 GPA, figures that placed both squads comfortably above the qualifying benchmark.
The academic standards set by United Soccer Coaches demand that each team’s combined GPA meet or exceed 3.0, a criterion that both Central College squads satisfied with room to spare, reinforcing the college’s commitment to developing well‑rounded student‑athletes.
The recurring accolades reflect a broader culture at Central College that values scholarly rigor alongside athletic competition, a balance that has become a hallmark of the institution’s sports heritage.
A Tradition of Excellence
As the college looks ahead to future seasons, the coaching staff remains focused on preserving the dual emphasis on performance and scholarship, aiming to extend the streak of academic honors while pursuing competitive success on the pitch.