CINCINNATI - The United Soccer Coaches today announced its list of recipients for the 2018-19 Team Academic Awards with the University of Cincinnati women's soccer program not only finding its name on the list, but also topping the charts with a 3.79 grade-point average, the highest of all four-year institutions nationally. The Bearcats earned placement on the list by meeting the standard of maintaining at least a 3.00 GPA for the academic year, earning a place on the list for the fifth year in a row.
"What a great achievement for the players, the program, the athletic department and for the University of Cincinnati as a whole," Head Coach Neil Stafford said. "I think everyone can feel a part of this remarkable feat, especially Dr. Joe Luckey, Keri Thoman and the entire staff in S.A.S.S. (Student-Athlete Support Services). Their support of all student-athletes on campus is extraordinary.
"I'm incredibly grateful to all the alumni who helped create our academic standards and bought into our 'Culture of Excellence'," Stafford said. "We've always felt that a holistic approach to academics, soccer, the player's social life, and community service would set them up for fantastic self-discovery. When you collaborate with student-athletes who out-work their talent, you will always have a chance for massive success. It's a very proud moment that everyone associated with the University of Cincinnati women's soccer program can enjoy. Well done ladies, Go Bearcats!"
Through that 'Culture of Excellence', Stafford's Bearcats have not only worked to excel on the field, but also off with one of tenants of the 'Culture' being 'Strive to Surpass'. When he initially took over at UC (January 2013), the program's GPA was under a 3.00. Since that time, the team has established a goal of carrying a minimum 3.51 GPA annually, a goal they have continued to surpass in recent grading cycles.
Stafford is no stranger to seeing his student-athletes succeed academically. Prior to his arrival in Clifton, he spent four years at Central Michigan and, during that time as both an assistant coach and head coach, the Chippewas also found academic success. Three times during his tenure (2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12), the CMU program also sported the highest GPA in the nation.
// AMONG THE BEST
Overall, 990 teams were recognized by the United Soccer Coaches with 646 women's and 344 men's programs being honored. Additionally, both the UC women and men's teams earned recognition, making UC one of 255 institutions throughout the nation to have both teams honored.
Of those 646 women's programs being honored, none in nation had a better year than the Bearcats with the Red Storm of St. John's equaling the standard UC set forth. Additionally, the two teams also sported this highest GPA of any four-year institution, women and men included.
The top billing for the Bearcats comes on the heals of last Spring's academic achievement when women's soccer was one of five programs at UC to earn AAC Team Academic Excellence Awards for holding the highest GPA of all programs in its respective sport. It marked the first time the soccer program had the highest GPA of all teams in the AAC.
// STREAKING
With their inclusion on the list this year, the Bearcats have now been honored five years in a row by the United Soccer Coaches, starting with the 2014-15 academic year. It is the second-longest streak put together by the program behind the seven years in a row the Bearcats were honored dating from 2005-06 through 2011-12.
// NEXT UP
The Bearcats have this week off from competition and will return to action next Thursday, October 10, in a 7 p.m. meeting with #9 Memphis inside Gettler Stadium in Cincinnati.
Top Team GPA's for 2018-19 (Four-Year Institutions)
1. Cincinnati (NCAA DI) – 3.79
St. John's (DI) – 3.79
3. Ferris State (DII) – 3.78
Illinois State (DI) – 3.78
5. Arkansas-Little Rock (DI) – 3.77
6. Wagner (DI) – 3.76
7. Montana State-Billings (DII) – 3.74
Texas State (DI) – 3.74
9. Bellarmine (DII) – 3.73
Rice (DI) – 3.73
Women’s Soccer Scores Top GPA in the Nation
The United Soccer Coaches today announced its list of recipients for the 2018-19 Team Academic Awards with the University of Cincinnati women's soccer program not only finding its name on the list, but also topping the charts with a 3.79 grade-point average, the highest of all four-year institutions nationally.
