GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Eleven members of the University of Providence women's soccer team received Academic All-Conference awards by the Cascade Collegiate Conference earlier this week.

Soraya Alfaro (exercise science), Brittany Burman (biology), Kaelyn Frahm (exercise science), Emma Goodwin (business administration), Ashlee Howell (chemistry), Shawnae Inama (criminal justice), Libby Martineau (exercise science), Kate Sisler (exercise science), Shayenn Thompson (elementary education), Taylor Ward (biology) and Bri Wikert (exercise science) all received the award.

To be nominated for a CCC Academic All-Conference award, a student-athlete must have a GPA over 3.2 and be a sophomore academically.

"We're really proud of them and their commitment to academic excellence," head coach Brian Clarke said. "It wasn't easy for them but they found a way to push hard and get this achievement."

Clarke is especially proud of the fact that this recognition was received during a period with a lot more outside pressures than usual. Combined with the adjustment of online learning, Clarke is proud of the perseverance his team has shown.  

"The struggle of not coming back after spring break and finishing the semester online was real," he said. "They showed that they could persevere and overcome. It's been difficult and it's been a lot but they've come at it with a good spirit and it showed."