The National Soccer Coaches Association of America announced its 2015-16 Team Academic Award honorees, and Southeast’s women’s soccer team ranked fifth among NCAA Division I soccer teams.

“I am convinced that the work that someone puts in the classroom is directly correlated with the work on the soccer field, with tactics and play,” coach Heather Nelson said.

Southeast's 3.64 grade point average allows them to earn the recognition for the seventh straight year.

“Our coaches are big on making sure that we are really well-rounded athletes,” sophomore defender Maddi Karstens said. “Of course they really want us to be awesome soccer players, but that won’t last forever and they know that.”

The team also was honored with the Ohio Valley Conference Team Academic Achievement Award for its hard work in the classroom last year.

“We have been up towards the top for several years, but we are still working towards earning the No. 1 GPA in the country,” Nelson said. “That’s a big goal for us to strive for, but I absolutely think it’s attainable.”

The team had 21 student-athletes earn the qualifying mark of at least a 3.25 GPA last year, earning it a spot on the OVC Commissioner's Honor Roll.

“To be an elite athlete you need to be intelligent,” Nelson said. “We have seen in our program that when we have good students, we have very coachable players, which is a great quality for our players.”

The team also had four student-athletes achieve a perfect 4.0 GPA last year, earning the OVC Medal of Honor.

“In my opinion, GPA is a direct reflection of work ethic at this level,” Nelson said. “I know that if my players are diligent for their studies, they will be disciplined during our workouts and games.”

The team completes again at 2 p.m. this Sunday, Oct. 23, at Houck Stadium against Morehead State.