Middle Tennessee State University’s women’s soccer program has once again been recognized for its academic prowess, earning the 2025–26 United Soccer Coaches College Team Academic Award.
The Blue Raiders secured the honor for the 25th straight year, a streak that spans every season under the guidance of head coach Aston Rhoden.
Their collective grade point average of 3.74 placed them squarely in the top 1% of women’s soccer programs nationwide, reflecting a culture that prizes scholarship as much as sport.
A Legacy of Excellence
The award, which acknowledges the team’s top‑1% standing in academic excellence, is one of five Conference USA women’s soccer programs to receive the honor in the 2025‑26 cycle.
Athletic director and faculty alike credit the sustained success to a collaborative effort that blends rigorous academics with competitive athletics, a formula that has defined the Blue Raiders for decades.
Head coach Aston Rhoden, who has led the team through each of these award‑winning seasons, emphasized the program’s commitment to developing student‑athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom.
The recognition underscores a broader tradition of academic distinction within Middle Tennessee athletics, a legacy that continues to attract student‑athletes seeking a balanced collegiate experience.