SPASH soccer teams honored for academic excellence

By Patrick Lynn

STEVENS POINT – Both the boys and girls soccer teams at Stevens Point Area Senior High have been recognized with a national award for their work in the classroom.

The teams earned the United Soccer Coaches High School Team Academic Award, which honors programs with a combined grade point average of at least 3.25 during the 2024-25 school year. The SPASH boys carried a 3.28 GPA while the girls averaged 3.5.

“We’re proud to have kids who are doing things the right way, handling their academics and giving their best effort on a daily basis, and then doing the same things to be good citizens,” said head coach Bill Loss, who leads both squads. “It’s about developing the whole student, not just the athlete.”

SPASH was one of only 35 schools in the country to have both its girls and boys teams recognized.

For senior Ian Ekstrand, the award reflects the culture of the program. “This award shows how dedicated we are to everything we do,” he said. “Whether it’s on the field or off the field, it shows that we come at everything with intensity and with hard work. I’m very proud.”

Senior Amelia Castleberg credited the coaching staff for setting the tone. “Our coaches are very good leaders,” she said. “They always encourage us and they always keep a positive mindset, which helps the girls on the field keep a positive mindset. They encourage us to work hard and have a strong work ethic.”