KANSAS CITY, Kan. – The Middle Tennessee soccer team was one of 571 schools, covering NCAA Divisions I, II and III, along with NAIA programs, recently announced by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Team Academic Award winners.

The Blue Raiders are recipients of the honor for the 10th-straight season, all since 2002 when Aston Rhoden took over as head coach.

“I am very proud of our players for not only the hard work they exhibit on the field, but also in the classroom,” Rhoden said. “Our administration, starting with Dr. McPhee and Chris Massaro, also emphasizes academics and this is another accolade to add to the growing list department wide.

“We always look to recruit the best players, who not only fit our athletic profile, but also those who will excel in the academic realm. Having won this award for 10-straight years is quite an accomplishment and I thank Ms. Debbie Carroll and my staff for assisting me in assuring we continue this great academic tradition within our program.”

Middle Tennessee’s squad posted a cumulative GPA of 3.30, higher than the required 3.0 necessary to be considered for the award.