Grace College’s Ulisses Miranda was named CoSIDA First Team Academic All-America for Grace’s men’s soccer team. JJ Aalbue was named CoSIDA Second Team Academic All-America for the Lady Lancers.

By Josh Neuhart
Grace College Sports Information

WINONA LAKE – A pair of Grace soccer standouts earned national academic accolades for the 2020-21 season from CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors Association).

Ulisses Miranda was named CoSIDA First Team Academic All-America for Grace’s men’s soccer team. JJ Aalbue was named CoSIDA Second Team Academic All-America for the Lady Lancers.

The teams are voted based on athletic and academic achievement. Eligible student-athletes must achieve a GPA of 3.30 or higher.

Miranda capped off his incredible career with a career-best season. Academically he posted a 3.70 GPA. Athletically, he led the Lancers with 16 goals to rank No. 10 in the NAIA.

His awards’ haul this year included: NAIA All-American (honorable mention), NCCAA All-American (first team), NCCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player and Crossroads League Player of the Year.

He was particularly deadly in postseason play. He scored a goal in seven straight postseason games (in a 14 day-span in November). During that run, Grace reached the championship game of the Crossroads League Tournament before ultimately claiming the 2020 NCCAA national crown.

Aalbue impressed with a 3.90 GPA while also starring on the field for Grace’s women’s soccer team. She produced eight goals and five assists in 14 games played.

The Lady Lancers enjoyed a memorable season. Grace reached the championship match of the NCCAA National Championships (falling in overtime to NCAA Div. II, No. 1-ranked Dallas Baptist) during the fall portion of the season. In the spring, Grace qualified for the NAIA National Championships. The Lady Lancers won an opening round match in the tournament, marking their third straight trip to NAIAs in the process.