KANSAS CITY, Mo. – United Soccer Coaches recently announced the College Team Academic Award winners, recognized for their exemplary performance in the classroom during the 2023-24 academic year. And what a year it was for the Gustavus women's soccer team. 

Led by head coach Laura Burnett-Kurie, the Gusties posted the top grade point average in all of NCAA Division III with a cumulative mark of 3.81. Among all NCAA women's soccer programs, the Gusties had the second highest GPA, behind only the University of New Mexico (3.84). Mercyhurst (Division II) and University of Denver (Division I) shared second with Gustavus with a 3.81 GPA. Case Western Reserve was second in Division III with a 3.80.

A total of 412 soccer teams (171 men, 241 women) posted a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher, thereby earning the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award for the 2023-24 academic year. Of that total, 105 schools had both their men's and women's programs recognized. United Soccer Coaches annually celebrates the academic achievements of teams whose student-athletes collectively demonstrate a commitment to excellence in their studies over the course of a full academic year.

The women's soccer team has consistently posted one of the top GPAs in the nation. Last year, the Gusties had the second highest GPA in Division III and fourth highest in the country. In 2022, the team ranked second in Division III and was edged by just one point for the top GPA in the nation. 

Following the 2023 season, six Gusties were selected to the prestigious CSC Academic All-District Team. Earning recognition for their performance on the field and in the classroom was Lucie Henrich, Sara Kugler, Annika Lewis, Jordan Oelkers, Gabriela Rodriguez, and Cambelle Waldspurger. A total of 19 of the team's 27 players were named MIAC Academic All-Conference, the most of any women's soccer team in the league.

The 2023 women's soccer team finished tied for sixth in the MIAC with an overall record of 9-7-1 and a conference mark of 5-5-1. The team just missed playoffs on a tiebreaker. One of the Gusties' top season highlights was defeating Saint Benedict for the first time in five years. Cambelle Waldspurger led the team, earning MIAC All-Conference honors following the regular season. Annika Lewis and Callie Patraw were both named All-MIAC Honorable Mention as well.

The Gusties kick off the 2024 season on the road, facing UW-Oshkosh on Aug. 30 and Ripon on Sept. 1. The team will play its home opener on Sept. 4 against Bethany Lutheran at the Gustie Soccer Field.  

About United Soccer Coaches

Founded in 1941 and based in Kansas City, Mo., United Soccer Coaches has grown into the world's largest soccer coaches' organization that serves members at every level of the game. United Soccer Coaches works every day to inspire coaches and ignite their passion for the game so they pass it on to players and others in the soccer community.