The University of Minnesota Crookston soccer team had six student-athletes named to the Academic All-District Team selected by the College Sports Communicators (CSC). Emmah Burnes (Jr., Tulare, Calif.), Sydney Christopherson (So., Sioux Falls, S.D.), Julia Finch (Sr., Woodbury, Minn.), Marsia Green (Jr., Waconia, Minn.), Elise Lefers (So., Brookings, S.D.), and Tessa VanOverbeke (Jr., Hartford, S.D.) earned the prestigious honor.
The accolade is bestowed to student-athletes with a 3.5 GPA or higher, and student-athletes who are at least a sophomore academically and athletically. In soccer, the student-athlete must compete in 90 percent of the institution’s matches played OR must start in at least 66 percent of the institution’s matches.
Burnes started all 18 games in the midfield for the Golden Eagles, and notched All-NSIC Second Team honors. She scored her first career goal in the season finale with MSU Moorhead. Burnes has a 4.00 GPA in communication.
Christopherson appeared in all 18 games, starting nine. She played mostly as an attacking midfielder, and finished with an assist on a goal against UMary. Christopherson has a 3.83 GPA in exercise science and wellness.
Finch appeared in all 18 games, starting 17 at outside back. She scored her first goal of her career in a tilt with Black Hills State, and had an assist versus UMary. Finch has a 3.68 GPA in elementary education.
Green appeared in 17 games, with five starts playing mostly as an outside midfielder or wing player. She secured a goal in the season finale victory over MSU Moorhead. Green has a 3.95 GPA in biology.
Lefers led the team with two goals, scoring against MSU Moorhead and UMary. Lefers played in all 18 games, starting four. Lefers has a 3.96 GPA in exercise science and wellness.
VanOverbeke started all 18 games as an outside back, and tallied three shots, with two on goal. She has a 4.00 GPA in accounting.
The 2025-26 Academic All-District® Men’s and Women’s Soccer Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.