By Dylan Vazzano, TTU Sports Information Coordinator

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – With the Tennessee Tech soccer team currently enjoying success on the field, the off the field achievements have been just as significant as the Golden Eagles continue to excel in the classroom. Following a strong year academically, Tech took home the 2014-15 College Team Academic Award by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

The honor was bestowed upon TTU for having a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher, with the Golden Eagles well surpassing that mark with an impressive 3.49 GPA.

"We are excited that our team has been recognized for their achievement in the classroom by the NSCAA," head coach Steve Springthorpe said on his group's accolade. "All of our players strive to be the best student athletes they can be, both in and out of the classroom."

The award is an ongoing trend for the soccer team, which has now enjoyed 23 consecutive semesters with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.

"Having success in the academic arena is not an easy task when you are on a sports team in college," Springthorpe said. "The rigors of practice and competition certainly take a lot of time, forcing our student athletes to be extremely organized and committed to their studies. We are thankful to have a student athlete academic center that cares and supports our athletes in their endeavors to succeed in the classroom and attain their college degree. Special recognition goes to Dr. Lance Jasitt and Ashlee Kiser for their leadership in helping all of our students here at Tennessee Tech."

Founded in 1941, and based in Kansas City, Mo., the National Soccer Coaches Association of America has grown into the world's largest soccer coaches' organization that serves members at every level of the game.  

On the field, Tech is on a roll having been unbeaten in seven of its last eight matches, and the Golden Eagles are off to a 2-0 start in Ohio Valley Conference play. TTU is back at home on Friday, Oct. 2 as Tech welcomes in Eastern Kentucky. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. CT.