BENNINGTON, Vt. – The New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) announced on Tuesday its list of student-athletes who worked hard enough in the classroom to pick up 2016 Fall Academic All-Conference laurels with 15 of those earning the honor hailing from Southern Vermont College.

The NECC’s fall academic squad recognizes athletes from around the league who participated in men’s cross country, women’s cross country, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, field hockey, men’s golf, and women’s tennis. Students who are of a sophomore academic standing or higher are eligible for the accolade and must have posted a cumulative grade point average of 3.40 or higher following the fall semester.

"The role of the student-athlete demands one's dedication to one's studies and to one's sport," stated Jay White, SVC’s Provost and Dean of the College. "At Southern Vermont College, that role touches every member of our community. We appreciate our student-athletes' commitment to success and celebrate today’s recognition by the NECC of our 15 Mountaineers— with majors as diverse as psychology, radiologic sciences, business, and biology, among others.”

Of the Southern Vermont students to make the list, five are collecting an NECC Fall Academic All-Conference honor for at least the second time in their collegiate careers with four of those garnering it for the third-straight year. Additionally, five of the Mountaineers were sophomores who earned the award after their first semester being eligible.

“We're very proud to honor these student-athletes for their academic recognition,” commented SVC Interim Director of Athletics Sharief Hashim. “Our student-athletes work very hard to balance their academic and athletic schedules. This honor exemplifies the work ethic and perseverance of these students and the culture of Southern Vermont College Athletics.”

In total, 199 student-athletes from the Conference were honored on the Fall 2016 list.

Men’s Cross Country
Corey Barcomb (Sr.) Criminal Justice -- Burlington, Vt. **

Women’s Cross Country
Kaylee Cross (Sr.) Radiologic Sciences -- Lewis, N.Y. *
Morgan Kaeppel (So.) Radiologic Sciences -- Vernon, Vt.
Emily Lesure (Sr.) Radiologic Sciences -- Cheshire, Mass. **
Jordan Welch (Sr.) Psychology -- Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Shelby Whitman (Sr.) Biological Sciences -- Bennington, Vt.

Men’s Soccer
Kieran Enright (So.) Radiologic Sciences -- Perth, Australia

Women’s Soccer
Stephany Ferreira (So.) Business Admin./Healthcare Management -- Shelton, Conn.
Lexia Gillette (Jr.) Business Administration -- Pittsfield, Mass.
Melissa Mascari (Jr.) Business Admin./Sports, Recreation, & Tourism Management -- Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Lauren Nesshoever (Sr.) Biological Sciences -- Chittenden, Vt. **
Jenna Retell (So.) Radiologic Sciences -- Burnt Hills, N.Y.

Women’s Volleyball
Julia Florence (Jr.) Radiologic Sciences -- Salem, Mass.
Brin Goldman (Sr.) Psychology -- St. Croix, Virgin Islands **
Nicole Shepard (So.) Radiologic Sciences -- Troy, N.Y.

* Denotes placement on previous NECC Fall All-academic Teams **

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