DENVER – The University of Denver men's soccer team recorded the second best team GPA in the country among NCAA Division I Men's Soccer programs in 2018-19, United Soccer Coaches announced on Thursday.

"I'm continually proud of what this program has accomplished in the classroom," head coach Jamie Franks said. "Finishing highly ranked in the country in GPA is a goal of ours, and to have the top GPA three of the last four years, and finish second this year is nothing short of amazing. This is about the student-athletes hard work and their ability to push themselves outside of their comfort zones, while also being successful on the field and serving in our community.

"The support that our student-athletes receive both on and off the field, including Cindi Nagai and David Kummer in academic support services, is incredible, and we wouldn't be able to accomplish this high academic standing without that support. I'd also like to once again thank Greg Grauberger in the Daniels College of Business. Greg does a great job of making sure our guys are taking the right classes to maximize their experience. First and foremost though, this recognition is a testament to the pride our student-athletes take in their success in the classroom."

Denver combined for a 3.68 grade point average a year ago, just two one-hundredths of a point behind national leaders Lipscomb. The Pioneers had the top grade point average in the country each of the last three years, recording a 3.628 in 2017-18, a 3.619 in 2016-17 and a 3.49 in 2015-16.

In addition to four top-two finishes in grade point average, the Pioneers 2018 senior class finished fifth in the country in wins in their four years (61-11-10) and second in the country in percentage of points won (78.5) during their careers.

A total of 991 college teams (345 men, 646 women) earned the Team Academic Award, including 257 schools who had both their men's and women's programs among the recipients. Denver's men's and women's programs have both earned the Team Academic Award each of the last 11 years.

United Soccer Coaches annually celebrates the academic achievements of high school and college soccer teams whose student-athletes collectively demonstrate a commitment to excellence in their studies over the course of a full academic year.

College Team Academic Award recipients are active members of the United Soccer Coaches College Services Program with a composite grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale for all players on the roster for the 2018-19 academic year.

UP NEXT:
Denver will return home on Sunday afternoon when it hosts Pacific in the first meeting between the two programs. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. MT, a match that will be streamed live on Pioneer Vision.

DENVER TICKET OFFICE:
Tickets for the 2019 Denver men's and women's soccer season are on sale now and can be purchased here.

SHOP PIONEERS:
Get dressed for Game Day! Get your Pioneers gear at ShopPioneers.com, the official online store of University of Denver Athletics. 

OUTSIDE FOOD/DRINK/PETS:
The University of Denver does not allow fans to bring outside food, drink or pets (with the exception of Bark in the Park Days) to the University of Denver Soccer Stadium. 

Fans interested in making a donation to the men's soccer program can do so by clicking here. Your contribution will make a direct impact on the success of YOUR Pioneers. Thank you in advance for your unwavering support of our student-athletes and their quest for excellence.  
 

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