Southeast Missouri state soccer team earns academic honor

The Southeast Missouri State women's soccer squad received the team academic award from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Southeast posted a 3.45 cumulative grade-point average during the 2010-11 academic year to earn the honor.

Twelve members of the Redhawks boasted a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or better, led by Lauren Bozesky's perfect 4.0 mark.

Hayley Abbott (3.80), Ashton Aubuchon (3.55), Jacey Boyko (3.90), Taylor Byrd (3.93), Nikki Edwards (3.71), Jessica Grindstaff (3.50), Vanessa Hart (3.50), Meg Herndon (3.81), Courtney Luehmann (3.71), Stephanie Palmer (3.70) and Amy Ward (3.80) also were above the 3.5 mark.

Every returning player from a year ago sported a GPA of 3.0 or better.

"As a staff, we are extremely proud of every member of the team for getting this award," Southeast coach Heather Nelson said in a release. "The group has shown the same dedication and attention to detail in the classroom as they did on the field, and this award is a symbol of that hard work."

The NSCAA team academic award was given to every NCAA men's and women's soccer squad that had a GPA of 3.0 or better during the 2010-11 academic year.

A total of 571 women's soccer programs from Divisions I, II and III received the award.

Central Michigan recorded the nation's best GPA of all divisions with a 3.70 mark.