KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The United Soccer Coaches announced on Thursday the College Team Academic Award winners, recognized for their exemplary performance in the classroom during the 2021-22 academic year. Both the Christopher Newport men's and women's soccer programs were recognized as CNU was one of just 145 schools with both teams honored. 

A total of 783 soccer teams (295 men, 488 women) posted a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher, thereby earning the United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award for the 2021-22 academic year. Of that total, 145 schools had both their men's and women's programs recognized.

On the men's side, head coach Justin Chezem guided his squad to a 3.31 cumulative team GPA in 2021-22. The academic achievements on the men's team were highlighted by fifth-year senior Davis Pillow becoming the program's first ever Scholar All-American. A three-time Scholar All-Region selection, Pillow was also a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District and VaSID Academic All-State pick. 

Led by first-year head coach Jamie Gunderson, the Division III national champion women's soccer team was not just successful on the field but added the College Team Academic Award for their combined successes in the classroom. The women registered a 3.26 cumulative team GPA with 23 student-athletes earning Coast-to-Coast Athletic Conference All-Academic honors. Leading the way was CoSIDA Academic All-District junior Jessica Zimmermann alongside five-time Academic All-Conference selection Haley Eiser.

The Christopher Newport soccer teams are preparing to return to the pitch this fall after successful campaigns in 2021. The men's program was 12-5-2 while facing one of the toughest schedules in the nation; they would advance to the NCAA Tournament Round of 16 after capturing the C2C Championship. The women's team will carry a 23-game unbeaten streak into the new season after being crowned 2021 NCAA National Champions with a 22-0-1 overall record. Each team will open the 2022 season on September 2. 

For a complete list of the 2021-22 Team Academic Award recipients, click here.