Warriors Soccer Honored by NCCAA
One of few programs to achieve success on both the pitch and in the classroom
The Nelson Warriors Men's Soccer team has been honored by the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) as a 2025 Fall Scholar Team, recognizing their outstanding academic performance alongside their on-field success during their inaugural season.
To qualify for the prestigious award, a team must maintain a minimum combined grade-point average of 3.40 on a 4.00 scale across all student-athletes on the roster. The Warriors exceeded that threshold with a team GPA of 3.47, placing them among the elite group of 44 programs that achieved this distinction, out of 88 eligible programs across the association.
The Warriors' 8-7-3 record on the pitch, including a West Region Championship, and an automatic berth to the NCCAA National Championship Tournament, was matched by classroom dedication that reflected the program's core values of faith, hard work, brotherhood, and integrity. This recognition highlights the culture of excellence head coach Barry Swartz has instilled from day one, balancing rigorous athletic competition with academic commitment and character development.
For a first-year program to achieve both competitive success and this level of academic distinction is a testament to the quality of young men in the locker room and the leadership guiding them.
Congratulations to the entire Nelson Men's Soccer team, coaching staff, and support network, including, Jason Lugo Munoz, Jonathan Garza, Adrian Almanza, Gael Armando Guiverra, Christian Olguin, Gabriel Daniel, Manuel Heras, Damian Yanez, Joemar Valenzuela, Pablo Pulido, Anthony Berrios, Christian Quintero, Joel Bastida, Isaiah Galindo, Andre Galindo, Gabriel Contreras, Parker Linhart, Jack Chumley, Dominic Calandra, Ricardo Bustamante, for both their efforts in the classroom, and on the pitch – well deserved! This honor cements the foundation for a program already proving it can compete at the highest level in every facet.
Do not forget to follow Nelson Athletics on X at @NelsonWarriors and Instagram at @nelsonwarriors.athletics.