UIC's pair of graduate student-athletes continued to receive recognition for their work in the classroom.

Jacob Graiber was named to United Soccer Coaches' Scholar All-America First Team, while Sokratis Vasilas was selected to the Scholar All-Region Team.

Both Graiber and Vasilas were named to the Horizon League All-Academic Team after the season ended this spring.  They were captains this season and together helped the Flames record four shutouts and allow less than one goal per game throughout the campaign.

"This national level recognition for Jacob and Sokratis is very well deserved," Sean Phillips said.  "Jacob repeating as a Scholar All-America shows his continued commitment to excelling on the field and in the classroom at a national level.  Sokratis' recognition not only recognizes his commitment on the field and in the classroom this past year, but ever since he stepped foot on our campus as a freshman."


Graiber, who was named to the Scholar All-Region Team as well, received his second Scholar All-America nod.  He made the second team last season.  After graduating last spring and then enrolling in graduate school, Graiber earned his second straight Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year honor.  He has a cumulative 3.57 GPA in his master's studies following the end of the spring semester.


Vasilas is on the Scholar All-Region Team for the first time.  He has a perfect 4.0 GPA through two semesters of graduate-level classes.  He had a historic season in goal, where his .833 save percentage was the third-best single-season mark in program history.

To be eligible for Scholar All-Region recognition, student-athletes must meet the following criteria:

• 3.40 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) or better throughout career
• Started more than 50 percent of all games and significantly contribute to their team
• Nominated by head coach of current College Services member institution
• Junior or above in academic standing; and, if a transfer student, in second year at school

The Scholar All-America teams are drawn from the All-Region rosters, with the added criterion of being an elite player as supported by playing honors (i.e. all-conference) and/or contributions to their team.