KANSAS CITY, MO – The Francis Marion University men's soccer program earned the College Team Academic Award from the United Soccer Coaches organization for the 2025-26 academic year. The Patriots have garnered the academic honor six times in the past eight seasons.

Francis Marion was one of 326 men's programs nationwide (across all levels and divisions) to earn the award, and one of just two programs in the Conference Carolinas to be recognized. The Patriot women's and men's programs were honored with the academic laurel, the only conference institution to achieve both recognitions.

To be eligible, a program must have posted a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher for the 2025-26 academic year.

The Francis Marion men's squad posted a 3.30 GPA last year.

On the field, seventh-year head coach Luis Rincon led the Patriots to an 8-4-5 overall record, the Conference Carolinas East Division title, and the No. 1 overall seed in the Conference Carolinas Tournament.

The 2026 campaign begins on Thursday, Aug. 27, as the Patriots host #15 nationally-ranked Flagler College at Hartzler Field with kick-off set for 4 p.m.