Soccer ranked 8th in the nation in team GPA

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas Lady Razorback soccer team was awarded its sixth consecutive team academic award by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and its cumulative grade point average of 3.50 ranked eighth in the nation.

The Lady Razorbacks were one of 295 women’s soccer teams in all collegiate divisions across the nation that were recognized for their efforts. Arkansas’ GPA was the eighth best among NCAA Division I schools and 0.11 off the nation’s top teams, Central Michigan and Murray State who each accrued a 3.61.

“It is a tremendous honor,” Arkansas head coach Gordon Henderson said of the award. “As an institution and a coach, we believe that academics form a strong foundation to our program. Every player on this team knows how important this area is and takes pride their work. The University of Arkansas is a quality institution and these grades reflect that.”

Schools submitted the work performed during the 2006-07 academic year for consideration of the team academic award. For the Lady Razorbacks, three individuals earned perfect 4.0 GPA’s for both semesters while 10 held their GPA over 3.50 for both the fall and spring.

“This is the highest soccer team GPA the University of Arkansas has had in its history,” Henderson said. “In fact in my 15 years of coaching, this is the highest GPA any of my teams have earned. If you talk to incoming players, all are aware of Arkansas’ academic proficiency. We are known as a program that is committed to excellence both on and off the field.”

The Lady Razorback GPA has been on a steady rise since it earned its first team academic award in 2001. Over the past three years, Arkansas has increased its efforts from 3.23 in 2004-05 to 3.39 in 2005-06 and finally 3.50 in 2006-07.

A large part of Lady Razorbacks’ success over the years has been the support they have received from both the University and athletic department. Lady Razorbacks have access to the Bob and Marilyn Bogle Academic Center throughout the year, a 15,000 square foot space with a state-of-the-art computer lab, interactive teaching facilities, study areas and private tutoring rooms.

For more information about Lady Razorback soccer or about Arkansas women’s athletics, please go to www.ladybacks.com.