Ericson named All-American Athlete of the Year by NSCA

April 6, 2018

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Junior midfielder/defender Peyton Ericson was named an All-American Athlete of the Year by the National Strength and Conditioning Association on Thursday. He is one of three student-athletes in NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer to be recognized with the award.

The award recognizes athletic accomplishments that reflect the time dedicated to strength training and conditioning, and also factors in academic prowess and community service. Nominees are put up for consideration by their team’s strength and conditioning coaches.

“It’s great that the NSCA provides an opportunity to recognize student-athletes such as Peyton,” said men’s soccer strength and conditioning coach Keith Scruggs. “Not only is he an incredible athlete on the pitch, but his drive is exemplified in the weight room, classroom and the community. It’s a great reminder that the way you do anything is the way you’ll do everything in life and in sports. Kudos to Peyton for setting the standard Gamecock men’s soccer.

Ericson, a three-year letterwinner for the Gamecocks, has played in 53 games with 49 starts. He was a key contributor on NCAA Tournament teams in 2015 and 2016. He was named Third Team All-C-USA in 2016 and earned C-USA All-Freshman Team recognition his first season at Carolina in 2015. The Duluth, Ga., native, scored his first career goal in the 86th minute of the team’s 1-1 draw at Charlotte this past season.