ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Concordia University soccer team has won the 2009 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) College Team Academic Award.  With a team cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher for the 2008-09 academic year, the Golden Bears join 331 other women's college squads (NCAA and NAIA, all divisions) as elite student-athletes.  This is the third time that the CU soccer team has won the award, taking 2003 and 2004 honors as well.

Concordia University finished the 2009 season with an 8-10-3 record, posting the most wins since 2006.  They came up one point shy from the CU record for team points scored in a season, but charted new territory for goals scored (37) and goals against average (1.41).  Freshman Arielle Stimson (F, Lakeville, Minn.) was a leading force in guiding the team to a successful season, tying CU's goals record with 10 put in the net on 30 shots on goal.

The Golden Bears are led by head Coach Joe Alianiello, who completed his fourth year at the helm of the CU program.  He guided the team to their 8th NCAA Tournament appearance in the past 9 seasons.