Boyertown, Phoenixville, Upper Perkiomen recognized for excellence in the classroom by NSCAA

Three Pioneer Athletic Conference (PAC-10) girls soccer programs received national recognition for their excellence in the classroom, according to a press release issued today by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

Boyertown Area, Phoenixville Area and Upper Perkiomen were among 396 high school soccer programs (148 boys, 248 girls) from throughout the nation to receive the NSCAA’s National Team Academic Award for exemplary performance in the classroom during the 2014-15 school year. In addition, the PAC-10 programs are just three of six District 1 girls soccer programs and three of 14 girls soccer programs from throughout the state to be honored this year.

This marks the ninth straight year Boyertown has earned the honor, while Phoenixville and Upper Perkiomen were each named to the list for the third year in a row.

“For the ninth straight year, our program has had the privilege of winning this award from the NSCAA. It shows that our student-athletes excel in and out of the classroom, can manage their time wisely and understand the importance of academics,” Boyertown head coach Bill Goddard said.

Boyertown Area led the PAC-10 contingent with a cumulative team grade-point average of 3.66, while Upper Perkiomen and Phoenixville Area were recognized for their 3.65 and 3.43 team GPAs.

“We’re proud to have earned the team academic award for the third straight year, showing that our players are putting in a lot of hard work both on the field and in the classroom,” Upper Perkiomen head coach Mike Freed said.

Phoenixville Area head coach Tim Raub agreed.

“It takes a lot to be a successful student-athlete these days,” he said. “The schedules these girls maintain is physically and mentally demanding, and to have three PAC-10 teams honored for their work in the classroom just shows how well-rounded the young ladies are in this league.”

To be eligible, a program must maintain a team GPA of 3.25 or higher for the entire school year.