Four Valparaiso University student-athletes have received Academic All-League recognition from the Horizon League as the league released its first set of academic honorees on Friday. Two Crusader women’s soccer players earned the award, while the men’s and women’s cross country squads had one recipient apiece.

The Horizon League recognizes student-athletes with Academic All-League Teams in each of its 19 championship sports. To be eligible for Academic All-Horizon League consideration, a student-athlete must have a cumulative grade-point-average of 3.20 or higher (based on a 4.00 scale) and have completed at least one year at the member institution, having earned 24 semester-hour or 36 quarter-hour credits.

Women’s Soccer

Grace Rogers (Jr.) – Has appeared in all but one match this season, starting 11 times on defense. Owns a team-high four assists on the season, including the helper on the match-winning goal at UIC. Scored a goal in Horizon League play this year versus Detroit Mercy. Owns a 4.00 cumulative GPA as an actuarial science and business analytics double major.

Vanesa Abad (Sr.) – Appeared in every match this year so far, starting 15 times in the midfield. Found the back of the net in the Crusaders’ Horizon League win at Green Bay and tallied an assist in Valpo’s victory over Milwaukee. Owns a 3.921 cumulative GPA as a nursing major.

Men’s Cross Country

Adam Bruno (Sr.) – Has finished among the Crusaders’ top-five runners in each of the season’s first four races. Paced Valpo at the Bradley Classic and was the team’s second-fastest runner at the season-opening Crusader Open. Owns a 3.927 cumulative GPA as a history major. Has previously earned Academic All-League honors on three occasions.

Women’s Cross Country

Kim Heiny (Jr.) – Has ranked among Valpo’s top-two runners in each of the season’s first four races. Led Valpo three times – at Valpo, San Diego and Notre Dame. Owns a 3.89 cumulative GPA as a finance major. Previously earned Academic All-League accolades during the 2016 outdoor track and field season.