Jan. 4, 2008

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The USC Upstate women's soccer team has been recognized by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) with the Team Academic Award for the 2006-07 academic year for its performance in the classroom.

"This is an indication that our student-athletes are meeting the expectations that they have to meet and they're setting a new standard of academic performance as well," USC Upstate women's soccer coach Kendall Reyes said. "Our players have worked hard on the field and in the classroom."

The women's soccer team compiled a 3.16 grade point average (GPA) during the 2006-07 academic year. One women's soccer player, junior goalkeeper Brittany Daughtry, was one of eight USC Upstate student-athletes to finish with a 4.0 GPA during that time.

"(The players) are very committed to our program and the philosophy to be the best student-athletes they can be," Reyes said. "This award is a reflection of that commitment."

The NSCAA recognizes men's and women's soccer teams across the country who have an overall GPA of 3.0 or better with an academic award. USC Upstate was one of 300 women's soccer teams recognized.