IRVINE, Calif. --- Redshirt junior Jack Birkenbeuel was one of 13 named to the Academic All-District Team to represent the District VIII and the west region.
The neurobiology major flashed the second-highest GPA in the district at 3.81 as the Anteaters were represented for a second straight season, following Bryan Breslin's inclusion in 2014, and 11th time overall.
"Jack epitomizes the true meaning of being a student-athlete. He is a high achiever in the classroom and on the soccer field. Jack has a focused work ethic that drives him to be successful in every aspect of his life," lauded Head Coach Chris Volk.
The Pasadena-native was the only Big West member in a list dominated by Pac-12 schools that took up seven of the 13 spots, four of those given to defenders.
Birkenbeuel has started 16 matches this season, and has had a hand in 13 shutouts over his career spanning 41 appearances.
Voting for the Academic All-American team begins next week. The 'Eaters have had three Academic All-Americans with the most recent being Corey Attaway in 2010.
The defender has been sidelined for the past two matches, but is working back from injury, and looks to rejoin the squad during their Big West Tournament run.
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