Jan. 24, 2008

Contact: Brian McCann

CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland State women's soccer team was recognized for its efforts in the classroom, receiving the National Soccer Coaches of America Team Academic Award. This is the first time that the team has received the honor.

The Vikings compiled a cumulative grade point average of 3.18, including a 3.03 during the 2007 fall soccer season. Eleven members of the squad made the Dean's List, which represents half of the team roster.

"Of all the positive steps we have made in our four years as a program, I am very proud to rank this one right up there at the top," head coach Derrek Falor said. "This achievement demonstrates that we truly are focusing on the student portion of student-athlete. By our team showing this kind of dedication in the classroom we are ultimately going to send our graduating players out in the work world fully prepared to excel. Our whole program is very excited to be recognized nationally for our academic accomplishment."

The women's soccer team finished the season with an overall record of 5-14-1, the best record in in the four-year history of the program. CSU also won its first-ever match in the conference tournament this season, defeating Youngstown State, 2-1, in overtime on Oct. 30.