Nov. 18, 2003

EVANSTON, Ill. - The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) announced its Team Academic Awards for the 2002-03 academic year this week, and Northwestern was one of just 48 schools total -- of which just 22 are Division I institutions -- to place both the men's and women's teams on the list.

In fact, a closer look at the list revealed that the Wildcat men boasted the highest team grade-point average among Division I programs, at 3.32. The Northwestern women, meanwhile, qualified for the award with a 3.19 team GPA.

This marks the second straight year both the NU men's and women's teams qualified for the honor -- the 'Cats are one of just 12 NCAA Division I programs to repeat.

To receive the NSCAA Team Academic Award, a program must boast a combined GPA of at least 3.0. A total of 336 programs were named -- 71 men's and 265 women's teams -- ranging from every division in the NCAA and even the NAIA.

The teams will be honored at the College Coaches Luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, as part of the 57th Annual NSCAA Convention, to be held in Charlotte, N.C., Jan. 14-18, 2004.

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