Austin, TEXAS – For the first time in Clayton State Athletics history, two student-athletes have been named to a Division II CoSIDA Academic All-America® Team in the same season, the College Sports Information Directors of America announced Tuesday.  
 
Ann-Cathrin Zabel and Mitro Turunen earned spots on the women's and men's soccer Academic All-America® Teams, respectively. Both seniors were named third team. To qualify for the Academic All-America® Team, a student-athlete has to be named to their respective Academic All-District team. CoSIDA members then vote for each team. 
 
The duo brings the total number of Academic All-America® selections for Clayton State to seven. This is the second time a men's soccer student-athlete has been awarded and the third time a women's soccer student-athlete has been selected.

Clayton State was the only Peach Belt Conference school to have a representative on both teams. Flagler placed three student-athletes on the women's team while Francis Marion had one student-athlete on the men's team. 

Based on the absence of most fall sports competition, the CoSIDA Academic All-America® Committee revised some rules and procedures for nominating student-athletes this season. Due to the low percentage of games completed this season, the nominees were selected based on career statistics and achievements.

Twenty-two of the 33 members of the 2020-21 CoSIDA Academic All-America® Division II Women's Soccer teams have at least a 3.90 GPA, with 10 student-athletes maintaining a perfect 4.00 GPA.

Twenty-four of the 33 members of the 2020-21 CoSIDA Academic All-America® Division II Men's Soccer teams have at least a 3.80 GPA, with seven student-athletes maintaining a perfect 4.00 GPA.

Ann-Cathrin Zabel | Schwarme, Germany | Defense
Zabel earns her first Academic All-America® award after graduating from Clayton State with a solid playing career. The two-year captain came to Clayton State as a forward but played the final two seasons at defense. As a freshman, she was named All-Region and she completes her career with 14 goals and three assists.
 
Zabel also earned D2 ADA Academic Achievement Honors and has been a member of the PBC Presidential Honor Roll. At the conclusion of the season, she was named Team MVP and also was awarded the Clayton State Female Laker Award.
 
This season, the Lakers' defense allowed four goals in six games and had zero multi-goal allowed games.
 
Mitro Turunen | Vantaa, Finland | Midfield
Turunen appears on the Academic All-America® team for the first time in his career after playing in eight games this season. He made seven starts and finished the season with two goals and two assists. Prior the season, he was named to the Preseason All-Conference Team.
 
For his career, he has scored five goals and has recorded eight assists while making 53 starts. As a freshman, he was named PBC Co-Freshman of the Year before taking home second-team All-Conference honors as a sophomore. He has been a Dean's List member and a PBC Team of Academic Distinction member.
 
Clayton State History of Academic All-America® Selections (7 Selections/6 Individuals)
2020-21 - Mitro Turunen (Men's Soccer) - Third Team
2020-21 - Ann-Cathrin Zabel (Women's Soccer) - Third Team
2019-20 – Tim Neusesser (Men's Soccer) – First-Team
2017-18 – Joy Diaz (Women's Track & Field/Cross Country) – Third-Team
2016-17 – Maria Marti Bartis (Women's Soccer) – First-Team
2015-16 – Maria Marti Bartis (Women's Soccer) – First-Team
2011-12 – Robert Spezzacatena (Men's Track & Field/Cross Country) – Third-Team

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