HIGH POINT, N.C-- For the first time in program history, the High Point University men's soccer team earned the United Soccer Coaches 2020-21 Team Pinnacle Award. HPU was just one of 18 college programs to earn this distinction and one of only two men's teams to receive this honor.

"This is a special achievement for our program because it fully illustrates the level of commitment, character, and excellence that our student-athletes strive to bring every day, Head Coach Zach Haines said. We have phenomenal kids in this program and a staff that always supports them while also holding high standards. A huge thank you to April Wines and Olivia Dwyer in particular for the tireless work they do behind the scenes on the academic front, and also my staff - Josh, Sean, and Shane for wholly committing to doing things the right way."

To be considered for the award, teams must have received either the Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze version of the High School or College Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Award; achieved recognition in the classroom as a recipient of the High School or College Team Academic Award, and recorded a winning percentage of .750 or higher during the respective season

A season ago, HPU was 12-2 for a winning percentage of .857 as the Panthers did the Big South double for the first time in program history winning both the Big South regular season and then the Big South Tournament Championship. In the classroom, the Panthers achieved a team GPA of 3.44 last spring which was the best program GPA on record and led the department.

#ComeOnYouPanthers x #GoHPU