"It is a very big honor to be recognized as a Capital One Academic All-America® selection," said Stahlke. "It means alot not only to me, but to our WKU Soccer program because it is a representation of the ideals of the program in stressing both academic and athletic success. I have made a major commitment to my academic success throughout my four years at WKU. It is great to see the results of such a commitment by receiving this outstanding recognition."
Stahlke is one of four players on the first team that hold a 4.0 GPA. She will graduate in May with a degree in Elementary Education. She will graduate from WKU's Honors College.
On the field, Stahlke was named the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year following the 2012 season. The backbone of a WKU defense that held opponents to a 0.46 GAA in league play and 0.85 overall, Stahlke's presence in the back helped WKU allow just five goals in conference play. Stahlke also scored three times this year, including twice in conference play via a penalty kick and free kick from over 35 yards out against North Texas. She was also a preseason All-Sun Belt Conference selection. Along with Stahlke's honor of defensive player of the year honor, Stahlke was named a first team All-Conference selection.
In October, Stahlke was named an Academic All-District selection by CoSIDA.
To be eligible for Academic All-America® consideration, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative GPA 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. Since the program's inception in 1952, CoSIDA has bestowed Academic All-America honors on more than 16,000 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.
For complete coverage of WKU Soccer, visit the official website of WKU Athletics at www.wkusports.com.
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