KANSAS CITY, Mo. (August 5, 2026) – The United Soccer Coaches announced their College Team Academic Award winners this week with the University of North Alabama named a recipient. A total of 777 soccer teams were chosen between the men's and women's programs across the country.

"I'm really proud of this group for earning the United Soccer Coaches Academic Award," said head coach Chris Walker. "These grade accomplishments are something they have managed to do year after year. They're not just tough on the field; they work just as hard in the classroom. They are smart, driven and always pushing to be their best in everything they do."
 
A total of 451 women's teams were selected for this award with North Alabama owning a better GPA than 415 programs. Only 32 teams had a better GPA while four others tied the 3.76 mark.
 
North Alabama is one of four UAC members to win the award. Austin Peay, Central Arkansas and Eastern Kentucky are the other three.
 
The soccer team achieved on and off the pitch last season, but in the classroom is where they made their mark. The team finished with the second-highest GPA among North Alabama programs. They boasted a collective 3.76 GPA, which set a program record and the best GPA for a roster with over 20 athletes.
 
The Lions have won the award in back-to-back seasons as they had four players win eight combined academic awards over the 2025 season. Twenty-four academic related awards have been won since the beginning of the Division I era amongst 11 different players.
 
The Lions get going on the road to open the season against the ETSU Buccaneers on Aug. 12 at Summers-Taylor Stadium in Johnson City, Tenn. at 5 p.m. CT.
 
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.