SAN DIEGO - Claire Mathews has added one of the most prestigious honors possible to a long list of accolades as she was named a Capital One Academic All-American for the 2014 season.
 
Mathews, who is an Engineering Physics (Mechanical) major, was voted a third team Capital One All-American as a defender with a 3.98 cumulative grade point average. She is the first Sea Lion to ever earn the honor at the NCAA Division II level.
 
Mathews was voted the Pacific West Conference Defender of the Year. She helped PLNU shutout 10 of its 12 PacWest opponents, and allowed just two goals in conference play. Point Loma also became the first team to go undefeated in a 12-game PacWest schedule (11-0-1) en route to capturing their first PacWest title.
 
The Capital One Academic All-American program recognizes the top 33 female soccer student-athletes in NCAA Division II for their play on the field and work in the classroom. Nominees for the award must have a 3.3 cumulative grade point average, and be a starter or important reserve, playing in at least 50 percent of the game. The award began in 2011 and is voted on by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). 

To see the complete 2014 Capital One Men's & Women's Academic All-American Teams click here.