"This recognition speaks volumes for the academic standards at UNCW," said UNCW Head Coach Paul Cairney. "As our admissions process becomes more selective, we have the privilege to work with some of the top student-athletes in the country."

UNCW combined for a 3.48 team GPA during the 2011-12 season, the highest in the Colonial Athletic Association and tied for 25th nationally among all Division I women's squads.

"The academic support program at UNCW is also a big part of this honor," Cairney added. "In particular, I would like to recognize Academic Coordinator Victoria Simonoff and her dedication to the academic success of our student-athletes. In the end, however, the credit goes to our whole team, who find ways to excel on the field and in the classroom. They are shining examples of true student-athletes."

The 2011-12 award makes the eighth straight season that the Seahawks have been recognized with the distinction, given annually to any men's or women's program that posted a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher during the previous academic year. A total of 726 college soccer teams (222 men, 504 women) at the NCAA and NAIA levels were honored for the 2011-12 season.  

UNCW finished the 2012 season with a 12-7-1 overall record, advancing to the title game of the CAA Women's Soccer Championship for the second time in four seasons.