Valparaiso University men’s soccer player Suleiman Thomas (Chicago, Ill. / Lake Forest Academy) received recognition for his success both in the classroom and on the soccer pitch on Tuesday. The Crusader senior was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District V First Team.

Now, Thomas is eligible for CoSIDA Academic All-American honors, which are scheduled to be announced on Friday, Nov. 18.  

Thomas, a business management major, owns a 3.90 grade point average. He has helped the current Crusaders maintain a long-standing tradition of excellence in the classroom, as Valpo received the NSCAA Team Academic Award for the 14^th straight year earlier this season, extending the third longest streak in the nation.

Thomas becomes the third Crusader to receive CoSIDA Academic All-District V Team recognition, joining Ryan Schwarz (2009-2010) and Todd Vervynckt (2012-2013).

On the field, Thomas has enjoyed a successful Crusader career to date. He scored his first goal of 2016 and the third of his Valpo career against Eastern Illinois on Sept. 27. Thomas has established himself as a regular part of the Crusader starting lineup this season. He provided an assist in a come-from-behind 2-1 road win over Western Michigan on Oct. 11.

Thomas was also a member of the 2014 and 2015 Horizon League Academic Honor Roll.

The Academic All-District team recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances athletically and in the classroom. To be eligible, student-athletes must hold at least sophomore status, own a minimum grade point average of 3.30 and be either a starter or a key reserve.