BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – The Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) announced Monday morning its Elite 22 Award winners and Gustavus Adolphus senior midfielder Sophie Leininger (Plymouth, Minn.) has been named the conference’s recipient of the honor for women’s soccer.
Sophie Leininger
The MIAC Elite 22 Award recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the conference championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. Modeled after the NCAA Elite 90 Award, the MIAC Elite 22 Award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest grade point average (GPA) in each sport who meets similarly high, sport-specific athletic requirements.
The Elite 22 Award is the second garnered by Leininger as she captured the honor after the 2015 MIAC playoff championship. Leininger, who was recently named CoSIDA Academic All-District, boasts a 3.99 GPA, majoring in political science and psychological science. The Wayzata product started all 20 games this season as she scored two goals and helped on six others to lead the team in assists. Leininger finished her career with 76 games played, six goals, and 18 assists, which ranks sixth in program history. She received MIAC All-Conference honors after the 2015 Gusties won the league playoff championship and appeared in the NCAA Championships. She was named All-MIAC honorable mention this season.
In the classroom, Leininger has been on the Dean’s List every semester and was on the President’s Honors List last academic year. She was named the Gerhard T. Alexis Scholar last year, holding the highest GPA among the Gustavus junior class. She was also awarded the Holly M. Bunn and Gregory D. Swenson Scholarship, which is based on academics, activities, leadership, and service.
Leininger may have one more distinguished award this year as she is on the CoSIDA Academic All-America ballot, which will be announced Dec. 5.
Way to go Sophie!! Congratulations!
Congratulations, Sophie, on your great accomplishments!