Crusader Duo Earn Academic All-League Honors
Thursday, December 6, 2007

            Valparaiso University had a pair of individuals named to the Academic All-Horizon League Team in women’s soccer.  Jackie Thomas (Overland Park, Kan./Blue Valley Northwest H.S.) and Ani Michl (Deerfield, Ill./Stevenson H.S.) were selected to the 11-woman squad that was voted upon by the Horizon League’s faculty athletics representatives and sports information directors.

            Thomas, a Third Team ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American, led Valpo with four goals, all match-winners, on the season.  She also was a Second Team All-Horizon League selection as a defender.  A member of the Mid-Continent Conference All-Academic Team as a freshman and sophomore, Thomas has a 3.85 grade point average while studying public relations and sports management.

            Michl scored a pair of goals while playing in the midfield for the Brown and Gold this past season.  A Second Team All-Horizon League selection, the sophomore is earning her second Academic All-League honor after also doing so in the Mid-Con as a freshman last year.  Michl has a perfect 4.00 grade point average while majoring in nursing at Valpo.

            Of the six schools represented on the Horizon League’s All-Academic Team, Valpo is tied for the top spot with two representatives on the team.