CORVALLIS, Ore. – Nine players from the University of Providence women's soccer team were named to the U.S. Bank Academic All-Conference Awards.

Brittany Burman (biology), Tihanee Freitas (psychology), Megan Haugen (business administration), Grace Hipke (exercise science), Shawnae Inama (criminal justice/clinical mental health counseling), Kylee Manning (business administration), Libby Martineau (business administration), Taylor Ward (biology) and Cassidee Whitehead (elementary education) were all recognized by the conference.

"As a college soccer coach, having academic awards is one of the most important parts about what we do," head coach Heather Blandford said. "It just shows their commitment and dedication to not only soccer, but to their academics and their institution and the leaders that they're going to become in the next chapter of their life."

To earn recognition as an All-CCC Academic honoree, a student-athlete must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 and at least a sophomore standing.

Prospective student-athletes who excel academically is a major part of what Blandford looks for in the recruiting process.

"It's a huge part of what we do," Blandford said. "We talk about the standards that we want to set our program by and those standards start in the classroom. That's why they're here. That's our primary focus. How do we translate that success on the field to better prepare them for life? Soccer is a springboard for that but what they do in the classroom is going to really take them forward to that next chapter."

The Argos (1-11, 1-8) will return to the field on Friday, Oct. 22 to take on Multnomah. The game will begin at 3:30 p.m. at Argo Field.