ANDERSON, S.C. – For the second time in four semesters, the Anderson University women's soccer team has edged the women's tennis squad for top academic honors following the spring semester, as announced by the department early Wednesday morning.

"What an amazing year we have just completed and although there were many challenges, our women's soccer program persevered both in the classroom and on the field," said Vice President for Athletics Bert Epting, Jr. "We are so proud of this accomplishment in the classroom and are excited to recognize them for this distinguished award. Congratulations on a job well done. Go Trojans!"

Competition for the academic honor was as fierce as ever, with sixteen teams achieving a 3.0 GPA for the semester while battling through the disruptions created by the Covid-19 pandemic. Nearly every team recorded at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, with more than a quarter of AU student-athletes (83) attaining a perfect 4.0 GPA for the spring semester.

The women's soccer team, which posted a stellar 3.639 GPA for the spring term – including 13 players with perfect 4.0 GPA's – recaptured the honor from the Trojan women's tennis team, which had claimed the accolade in the fall for the seventh time in departmental history.

"I am proud of the effort and diligence displayed by our team in the classroom," said head coach Sarah Jacobs. "We place a high importance on academics and this award is a great recognition of the work put in by the girls. We look forward to competing for the award again this fall."

The Dr. Shirley Jacks Award is given to the team that possesses the highest grade point average at the end of each semester and the women's soccer team will be presented the trophy at an athletic event during the fall.