Sept. 23, 2015

COLUMBIA, S.C. –

South Carolina’s soccer programs both earned NSCAA Team Academic Awards, the coaches association announced on Wednesday. The two teams stand as one of 208 from all levels of college soccer to have both the men’s and women’s teams earn the distinction.

Shelley Smith’s women’s team has taken the honor now 13 times in history, including in each of the last eight seasons. Mark Berson’s men’s group has garnered the accolade 10 times, including twice having the highest GPA among NCAA Division I teams.

Both teams host nationally-ranked foes at Stone Stadium this week. The women start the stretch on Thursday at 7 p.m. against No. 4 Texas A&M, while the men welcome in No. 7 New Mexico on Friday at 7 p.m. The SEC Network has Thursday’s contest live, while Friday night’s men’s match will be on SEC Network + on WatchESPN.