NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Following the historic season of the Belmont women’s soccer team, two players have been recognized for their valiant efforts in the classroom. Senior defenders Sarah Brandt (Hendersonville, Tenn.) and Meredith Brandt (Hendersonville, Tenn.) have been named to the CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Team. It is a first time honor for both and the pair is also the first from Belmont to receive this distinction since the 2001 season.

To be nominated for the CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Team, a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.20 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) for his or her entire career.

Sarah has played in 71 matches over the last four years, starting 67. The three-time Atlantic Sun All-Academic selection wrapped up her senior season by moving into fourth in all-time career assists with a total of 14. In 2007, she also helped anchor a stingy Belmont defensive line that allowed only three goals in the first 12 matches of the year. Since she was named to the First Team, Sarah will advance to the national ballot for an opportunity to be named to the All-America team. She is the first female Belmont athlete to be named to the First Team ever.

Of the 73 matches played during the regular season over the last four years, Meredith, who was named to the Second Team, started and played in all but two. The three-time Atlantic Sun All-Academic honoree was also instrumental in helping the Belmont defensive line allow a mere three goals in the first 12 matches of the 2007 season. The Bruins were also ranked #1 in NCAA Division I save percentage this season with her help during that same stretch.

“I think Sarah and Meredith are both deserving of the recognition,” said Head Coach Lisa Howe. “They both play key roles in a defense that has been nationally ranked at times for shutouts and goals against average. They share many similar qualities like speed and strength, competitive desire, and strong leadership capabilities. As an outside back, Sarah gets to join the attack more often. She is often isolated and possesses good individual defending skills. Meredith plays in the center, and we rely on her to defend crosses, win air balls, and clean up any mistakes.

“On and off the field, Meredith and Sarah are intelligent, disciplined, and hard working. They exemplify a scholar athlete and are excellent students. Belmont women’s soccer is achieving new levels of success, and Sarah and Meredith have played a significant role in our improvement over the last three years. They will be missed.”

The Bruins return to action on Wednesday, November 7th in the first round of the Atlantic Sun Tournament. It is the first time in program history that Belmont has advanced to the conference championship. BU is seeded third in the tournament and will face off against #6 Jacksonville.