Nov. 18, 2010

Memphis, Tenn. - Both the University of Memphis men’s and women’s soccer programs earned the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) College Team Academic Award for the 2009-10 academic year.

Memphis is one of 125 schools to have both men’s and women’s soccer receives the award. UCF and Memphis were the only two C-USA soccer programs to have both programs recognized by the NSCAA. A total of 630 soccer teams (194 men, 436 women) posted a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher to qualify for the recognition.

After winning four-straight C-USA Championships, the Lady Tigers earn the team academic award for the fourth-straight season and seventh time in program history. The Lady Tigers posted a 3.60 team GPA which is the second among the eight C-USA Women’s soccer programs that also received the recognition. UAB, UCF, Colorado College, East Carolina, Marshall, Rice and Southern Miss join Memphis for a C-USA record eight programs to receive the award.

The Lady Tigers 3.60 team GPA is third in the nation for all men’s or women’s Division I soccer programs. Rice's 3.63 team GPA tied with the University of Toledo for the second-highest in the nation for all men's or women's Division I soccer programs. The women's team from the University of Central Michigan led the nation with a 3.76 GPA.

“Academics are the number one thing we stress,” women’s soccer head coach Brooks Monaghan said. “Our philosophy is that academics come first, soccer second and social life third and if you don’t live your life that way you will not succeed. I think the award says a lot about the character of the girls, to not only get it done on the field, but also in the classroom. I am very proud the group of girls we have.”

The Memphis men’s team earns the NSCAA Team Academic Award for the third time in program history and second-straight season. The Tigers posted a 3.29 team GPA. UCF and South Carolina are the other C-USA Men’s Soccer programs that received recognition.

“I am really pleased for Dr. (Joe) Luckey and all the people who have worked with our team,” men’s soccer head coach Richie Grant said. “It is really encouraging when our players are doing well on the field and in the classroom.”

The University of Memphis Center for Athletic Academic Services has diligently worked to provide support services to ensure that U of M student-athletes succeed in the classroom and obtain undergraduate degrees. Coach Grant and Coach Monaghan would like to thank Dr. Joe Luckey, Kimya Massey and Bridget VanLandeghem for their past and present work with the men’s and women’s soccer programs.