Aug. 13, 2024

United Soccer Coaches honor Ferris State women’s soccer team for academic excellence

Ferris State women's soccer contest last year vs. Grand Valley State — The Ferris State women's soccer program has been saluted for the academic excellence of its student-athletes.

BIG RAPIDS, Mich. —

The Ferris State University women's soccer squad, which opens preseason camp this weekend, has been recognized by the United Soccer Coaches as a Team Academic Award winner.

The Bulldogs posted an overall 3.58 cumulative grade point average this past year under head coach Greg Henson, ranking among the national leaders in the organization's annual listing.

Overall, a total of 458 soccer teams, including 188 men and 270 women, were recognized by the United Soccer Coaches for their exemplary performance in the classroom.

To be honored, a team had to post a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.

United Soccer Coaches, based in Kansas City, Mo., has grown into the world’s largest soccer coaches’ organization and serves members at every level of the game.

Ferris State Soccer closed out the 2023 fall season by reaching the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Semifinals for the sixth consecutive year.

Ferris State, which reached the NCAA Division II Final Four in 2022, also made its 15th straight league tourney appearance and 17th appearance overall in program history.

The Bulldogs will return a strong nucleus heading into this season, including the bulk of the starting lineup.

Since Henson's arrival, the Bulldogs have claimed the program's first GLIAC regular-season title, first league tournament championship, made two NCAA Tournament appearances and advanced to the national semifinals for the first time in school history.

Ferris State, which will celebrate the program's 25th anniversary this fall, is slated to open the 2024 regular-season at home on Thursday, Sept. 5, versus Cedarville University.