Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech men's soccer program was once again recognized this fall for outstanding work in the classroom, earning the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award at the college level, which recognizes exemplary performances in the classroom during the 2019-20 academic year.
The Hokies took care of business on and off the field last season. The men's soccer program battled through the second-hardest schedule in the country on the way to making their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament. The Hokies were awarded the 10th overall national seed, the highest seed ever received in program history, and a first-round bye. Tech would go on to make their second-straight trip to the Sweet Sixteen, their third appearance in four seasons.
"We are tremendously proud of our guys for the work they have done in the classroom," Head Coach Mike Brizendine said. "Playing the second most difficult schedule in the nation meant that we were on the road a lot, including two west coast trips as well as very long bus rides. Our players had to work very hard to keep up with their class work. They rallied as they always do, and they maintained our program's high standard for academics. For our guys to succeed in the classroom and on the field like they did is a testament to the character of our guys. I am very proud of them.
I would be remiss not to recognize the work Tim Moore and his staff has done to help our team be successful in the classroom. Their work contributes to our guys maintaining the high academic standard we have for our team."
Tech has earned this recognition four of the last five seasons under Head Coach Mike Brizendine. The Hokies were one of seven ACC men's soccer programs to be recognized this year.
A total of 918 soccer teams (348 men, 570 women) posted a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher, including 191 schools who had both their men's and women's programs recognized, with Virginia Tech being one of those schools.
The men's soccer program has been recognized a total of nine times (2003, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020), with all but one of those years coming under Brizendine
For 2020 award winners, CLICK HERE.
The Hokies kickoff their season this week on Saturday, Oct. 3 as they host No. 3 Virginia.
Due to the Novel Coronavirus fans will not be able to attend Saturday's game. Fans can follow along through @HokiesMSoccer and live stats of the contest will also be available on hokiesports.com.