Keene State receives NSCAA women's soccer team academic award

            KEENE, N.H.  1/5/12 – The Keene State College women's soccer team not only got the job done on the field, but in the classroom as well this past year.  The Owls were one of 572 women's soccer teams, including all three NCAA Divisions and NAIA, to be recognized for their academic achievement by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) for posting a combined grade point average of 3.0 or better. 

            The Owls' lofty 3.56 combined GPA for fall 2010 and spring 2011 puts them in elite company.   Among the 572 total teams recognized, Keene State is ranked 22nd.   The Owls are seventh among the 179 Division III teams honored, and had the second-best GPA in New England behind MIT.  KSC joins a prestigious list of top Division III programs that include Case Western University, Emory University, Hilbert College, Washington University, and Washington and Lee University. 

            "It's a great accomplishment for our student athletes to be recognized among the best in the country and in New England," said KSC women's soccer coach Denise Lyons.  "I know my players work very hard in the classroom and this honor is a testament to their accomplishments and the quality athletes we strive to bring into the program." 

            Keene State President Helen Giles-Gee acknowledged the honor by saying,  "I heartily commend all of the student/athletes on the Women's Soccer team whose academic prowess made this acknowledgement by the NSCCA possible. The College and I are very proud of you and your accomplishments on and off the field. Congratulations also to Coach Lyons and the team for your outstanding play within the LEC."

            The Owls also had a very productive season on the field, finishing with a 15-7-3 record on the way to capturing the Little East Conference regular season championship, advancing to the conference finals and earning a berth in the ECAC New England tournament.