MARQUETTE – The College Team Academic Award was bestowed on the women’s soccer team at Northern Michigan University for the 2014-15 academic year.

This is an awarded presented by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America for excellent work in the classroom.

“Our team is made up of wonderfully mature athletes who know the importance of academic excellence,” NMU head coach Matt Granstrand said. “This shows in our (grade-point averages).”

The Wildcats maintained a 3.43 GPA last season, the fourth-best among GLIAC schools.

Northern was one of seven GLIAC programs honored by the NSCAA, joining Michigan Tech, Northwood, Walsh, Grand Valley State, Ferris State and Saginaw Valley State.

A total of 867 collegiate soccer teams – 307 men’s and 558 women’s – received this award.

In 2014, five Wildcats were named to the GLIAC’s Fall All-Academic Team while eight made the All-Academic Excellence Team.