Manny Weldemicael Named To Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-District Team

GREENWOOD, Indiana -- Penn State Brandywine men's soccer junior Manny Weldemicael (Philadelphia, Pa./Wyoming Park) was selected to the Capital One Academic All-District I Academic First Team by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Brandywine's first-ever student-athlete named to the Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-District Team, Weldemicael was the lone student-athlete from the PSUAC and one of just two USCAA student-athletes to gain recognition. The academic all-district and all-American programs, which showcase student-athletes who excel both on the playing field and in the classroom, recognized a total of 44 student-athletes from non-NCAA, small colleges around the United States and Canada.

A psychology major who boasts a 3.73 grade-point average, Weldemicael earned the national all-academic award from the USCAA in 2013. He is also a two-time PSUAC all-academic team honoree.

On the field, Weldemicael started all 19 matches in the Lions' midfield this fall, compiling 10 goals and five assists for 25 points. Last Saturday, he helped Brandywine win its second consecutive PSUAC championship, a 1-0 victory over Penn State York. The Lions earned the league's automatic bid to the USCAA Tournament and will face seventh-seeded Maine-Machias Wednesday at 11:00 am during first-round play in Charleston, W. Va.

To be eligible for the award, voted on by the district's sports information directors, student-athletes must maintain a cumulative 3.30 GPA or higher and must have reached sophomore athletic and academic standing at their institution.

As a first-team honoree, Weldemicael automatically moves on to the national academic all-American ballot. The Capital One/CoSIDA First, Second and Third Team Men's Soccer Academic All-Americans will be announced on Nov. 21.