FLORENCE, Ala. (November 21, 2023) – Six members of the University of North Alabama women's soccer team were selected to the 2023 College Sports Communicators Division I Women's Soccer Academic All-District Team. Alice Bussey, Briana Eads, Hannah Guthrie, Izzi Gurney-Harper, Montana Merkle and Molly Parham were all selected for the honors.

Bussey, Guthrie and Merkle were all previously selected to the ASUN Conference Women's Soccer All-Academic Team.

The 2022 Academic All-District® Women's Soccer Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes soccer honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.

Bussey, a senior, started in all 22 matches for the Lions in 2023. She has appeared in  70 matches over her UNA career, which includes 64 starts. Bussey is pursuing a bachelor's degree in biology and has maintained a 3.67 GPA. Bussey led the Lions in goals (7) and points (17). Bussey was named to the 2023 ASUN All-Academic team and ASUN First Team All-Conference this season. 

Eads, a graduate transfer, started in all 22 games in her first season as a member of the UNA Soccer program. Eads transferred from Jacksonville State where she was a four-year contributor. She was selected 2019 Academic All-Conference at Jacksonville State and was named to the 2019-20 OVC Commissioner's Honor Roll. She is working towards her master's degree in social work and finished her undergraduate degree with a 3.67 GPA. Eads was named ASUN Third Team All-Conference and was selected to the ASUN Championship All-Tournament Team in 2023. 

Guthrie has been a five-year starter for North Alabama, starting in 78 of 82 matches played across her UNA career. She appeared in all 22 matches for the Lions this season. Guthrie graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in interior architecture and design and a 4.0 GPA. She holds a GPA of 4.0 while working towards a master's degree in business and is slated to graduate in Spring 2024. Guthrie was selected ASUN Second Team All-Conference and to the ASUN All-Academic team in 2023.

Gurney-Harper is another five-year contributor to the UNA women's soccer program, having appeared in 73 matches with 57 starts over her career. Gurney-Harper finished her bachelor's degree in criminal justice with a 3.76 GPA and currently has a 4.0 GPA while working towards her master's degree. She is planning to graduate in Spring 2024. 

Merkle has appeared in 21 matches and started in 20 for the Lions in 2023. She has made 46 appearances in her three-year North Alabama career with 31 starts. The junior has managed a perfect 4.0 GPA while working towards her bachelor's degree in computer science. Merkle was selected to the 2023 ASUN All-Academic team. 

Parham wrapped up her sophomore season at UNA having appeared in all 22 games with 16 starts. Parham tallied three assists on the season, with two coming in the 2023 ASUN Conference Tournament. Parham has a 3.63 GPA and is working towards a bachelor's degree in exercise science. Parham was one of three UNA selections on the 2023 ASUN Championship All-Tournament Team. 

For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.