These accomplishments have all accompanied important academic awards.  Both programs have been consistently placing players on academic All-Conference, All-Region, and All-American teams.  Now, word has come from the NSCAA (National Soccer Coaches Association of America) that both programs have won the 2006 Team Academic Award.  This is a first in school history, and an honor that has a work in progress for LMU Head Coach Helio D'Anna.  "When I began work at Lincoln Memorial University, I believed it to be an important goal for both teams to achieve this prestigious honor,” said D’Anna.  “Our women made it last year and our men were very close.  This year we finally got both programs on the same page academically and we are very excited about that.  I believe this award is as important as any accomplishments we have had on the field since I have been here." 

The Team Academic Award is presented to programs that have a cumulative team GPA of at least 3.0.  A total of 313 soccer teams (81 men, 232 women) posted this mark.  Only 50 institutions placed both men and women on the list.  Lincoln Memorial is among those 50 institutions. 

 "Our challenge now is to keep out programs on the list consistently,” says D’Anna.  “I don’t think it's a coincidence to see performance on and off the field.  Excellence should apply to everything one does and not to be a selective state.  I am extremely proud of this achievement and very happy for all the players in the Lincoln Memorial University soccer program." 

Lincoln Memorial University men’s soccer senior Diogo Silvy (Santa Catarina, Brazil) and women’s soccer senior Damaris Young (Panama City, Panama) highlight the two team’s success.  Silvy will graduate Magna Cum Laude and was selected as the winter 2006 graduating class Salutatorian, while Young will graduate with honors and has been accepted to Harvard Law School and will receive a scholarship.