The United Soccer Coaches announced its Team Academic Awards for the 2025‑26 academic year, recognizing 778 collegiate programs that posted a collective GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Among the honorees, Drake University’s women’s soccer program distinguished itself with a cumulative GPA of 3.60, placing it well above the benchmark and reflecting the Bulldogs’ commitment to scholarly achievement.
The award encompasses 326 men’s teams and 452 women’s squads, underscoring a broad base of academic excellence across the sport.
Award Highlights Growing Emphasis on Student‑Athlete Success
Drake’s recognition comes as part of a select group of 175 institutions whose both men’s and women’s soccer programs earned the same academic honor, a testament to sustained institutional support for athletics and academics.
Coach Sarah Martinez praised the student‑athletes for balancing rigorous coursework with a demanding travel schedule, noting that the team’s 3.60 GPA is a direct result of disciplined time management and a culture that values education as much as performance on the field.
The Bulldogs join a distinguished cohort of schools that have been celebrated for fostering environments where competitive soccer and high academic standards coexist, a trend that United Soccer Coaches says is reshaping expectations for collegiate programs nationwide.