Women's Soccer | 11/21/2014 12:08:00 PM

Towson, MD - Piedmont College women's soccer player Kelsey Schaffernoth has been named to the Capital One Academic All-American Team after helping the Lady Lions to a 14-4-2 overall record and a share of the USA South Regular Season title, the first such crown in the program's NCAA Era dating back to 2003.  Schaffernoth is the sixth Capital One Academic All-American in Piedmont's history and the third women's soccer player to earn the honor in the last four seasons joining former teammates Justine Clay and Laura Goodwin who took the same honor in 2011 and 2013 respectively. 

"The athletic department is really pleased to see another one of our fine student athletes recognized in this manner," said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics John Dzik of the recent academic honor. "Kelsey has been an integral component in the success enjoyed by our women's soccer team, while maintaining a high degree of academic excellence."

"College soccer has been a blessing; ultimately, I came to Piedmont for an education, and I couldn't be more honored!" said Schaffernoth. "Piedmont soccer has influenced me to be competitive not only on the field but also in the classroom.  Commitment in both areas in my life has helped me to be successful."

The Capital One Academic All-American team is awarded by the College Sports Information Directors of America and is the only program permitted to use the term Academic All-American. 

Piedmont boasted four Capital One Academic All-Americans in 2013-14 alone with women's soccer player Laura Goodwin, volleyball player Kaitlin Norman, softball player Brittney Head, and men's tennis player Patrick Steck all taking the honor.  Schaffernoth is a 2nd Team selection in this year's Academic All-American program and one of two women's soccer players from the USA South Athletic Conference to be named to the prestigious listing.  

As a senior centerback for the Lady Lion defense, Schaffernoth helped Piedmont to one of its finest defensive seasons in the program's history with 14 shutouts on the year, a new program record.  The Lady Lions allowed 12 goals this season for a goals against average of 0.60, both of which are program lows in the NCAA era.  

"This award really puts a nice finishing touch on what has been a great four-year career for Kelsey here in Demorest," said Head Women's Soccer Coach Stephen Andrew of his graduating centerback. "Kelsey epitomizes what we look for in a student-athlete here at Piedmont both on the field and in the classroom. It's been great to watch her grow and mature as a player, student, and person over the last few years, and I'm excited to see where she goes from here."

Majoring in Secondary Education for English, Schaffernoth was a 2013 1st Team USA South All-Conference selection and maintains a 3.91 GPA overall.  Having also taken USA South All-Conference 1st Team honors in her junior year, Schaffernoth will likely graduate a three-time USA South Academic All-Conference honoree as well.  

Ever the teammate, Schaffernoth pointed to the support around her as a reason for success as well saying: "This award would not have been possible without the support of Coach Andrew, Coach McCormack, and my wonderful teammates.  I have enjoyed my four years here at Piedmont both on the field and in the classroom.  I know because of this time at Piedmont, I will be prepared to start my career."

The daughter of Tammy and Rob Schaffernoth, Kelsey has also been a member of the Torch Honor Society, Piedmont's oldest academic honor society. Additionally, Schaffernoth has served as an English and writing tutor in Piedmont's Learning Center.

To be eligible for Capital One Academic All-America® consideration, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.30 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director. In addition, nominated student-athletes must have participated in at least 50 percent of the team's matches at their respective positions.

Since the program's inception in 1952, CoSIDA has bestowed Academic All-America honors on more than 20,000 student-athletes in Divisions I, II, III and NAIA, covering all NCAA championship sports. For more information about the Academic All-America® Teams program, please visit www.cosida.com.