Both the 2012-13 Hope women’s and men’s soccer teams have been recognized for their academic success. Both teams have received the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Team Academic Award.
A total of 869 soccer teams (273 men, 596 women) posted a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher, thereby earning the NSCAA Team Academic Award for the 2012-13 academic year.
Hope is one of 189 schools to have both soccer teams recognized.
Coach Leigh Sears’ Flying Dutch posted a 3.46 GPA to claim the NSCAA honor for the fifth consecutive time.
“We have always stressed being a student first and taking care of your academic business before soccer,” Sears said. “We have been fortunate to attract great student athletes who have found a way to not only be highly successful on the soccer field but also in the classroom.”
Coach Steven Smith’s Flying Dutchmen recorded a 3.06 GPA to qualify.
“It is exciting to see a team perform so well on and off the field,” Smith said. “The primary reason our players are at Hope College is to get an excellent education. That takes commitment to the academic program. We are excited to receive this award from our national governing body. I am as proud of my guys for this accomplishment as I am for our NCAA Championship appearance.”