KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Aug. 10) -- The Thiel College Men's and Women's Soccer programs were recently awarded the United Soccer Coaches College Team Academic Award for the 2025-26 academic year.
A total of 792 soccer teams (332 men, 460 women) posted a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher, thereby earning the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award for the 2025-26 academic year. Of that total, 184 schools had both their men's and women's programs recognized.
Led by head coach
Zack Walters, the Thiel Men have earned this award for six straight seasons. The women have earned the distincition four times in program history, including in each of the last two seasons.
Derek Thomas (Poland, Ohio/Poland),
Andy Mangold (Bradford, Pa./Bradford Area),
Mitchell Strauss (Bradford, Pa./Bradford Area),
Joey Kushon (Pittsburgh, Pa./Deer Lakes) and
Grant Becker (North Olmsted, Ohio/North Olmsted) all earned College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District honors in the fall for the Cats.
Imogen deBlois (Hubbard, Ohio/Howland) and
Madison Rodgers (Reinholds, Pa./Cocalico) earned the same distinction for the women.
The Thiel men open the 2026 season Sept. 1 at Pitt Bradford while the women begin play Sept. 2 at home against La Roche.
