Smith, Dandar named Scholar All-Region

Grace Smith punting a soccer ball.
Photo by Kimberly Moss

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – The postseason accolades continue to roll in for Grace Smith and Christina Dandar of the women's soccer team. The duo was named to the Scholar All-North/Central Region Second Team by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Dandar, a junior defender, boasts a 3.98 GPA as a psychology major. She helped anchor the Hornets' backline this season starting all 20 games and recorded an assist against St. Mary's on Sept. 12. Dandar also started every game for the Hornets in the 2015 season.

Smith, a senior goalkeeper, also holds a 3.98 GPA but is majoring in biology. As the team's last defender, Smith led the team to the fewest number of goals conceded (13) of all MIAA teams in league play. She also led the league with five shutouts.

Both Dandar and Smith were named First Team All-MIAA selections earlier this year. They also received All-Region recognition and were CoSIDA Academic All-District selections.

Dandar was named a Third Team Academic All-American by CoSIDA.