POTSDAM, N.Y.—The SUNY Potsdam women's lacrosse team has been named an Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Academic Squad for the 2012 season

The Bears were one of 61 Division III teams to be recognized after posting a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better during the 2011-12 school year.

 "I am not surprised that the team was able to achieve a high GPA,” said Potsdam Head Coach Lauren Bruce. “The upperclassmen have proven success in the classroom with their individual academic awards, and this motivates the incoming players to perform up to their standards. I am excited to have such a competitive team, both on the field and in the classroom."

Academic achievements are nothing new for the women's lacrosse team. In the last two seasons, the Bears have placed 21 total players on either the SUNYAC All-Academic team or the Commissioner's List. In addition, former players Kathleen Frear '11 and Maribeth Simmons '12 have been recognized as Potsdam's last two Maxcy Molnar Award winners. The Maxcy Molnar award is presented to one male and one female student-athlete who best combine the qualities of sportsmanship, leadership, scholarship and athletic achievement and has competed on a varsity team for all four years at Potsdam. Also, Kaci Milligan '12 was named a 2012 Department Scholar for Environmental Studies this past spring.

The women's lacrosse team kicks off its 2013 season when the Bears host Clarkson University at 4 p.m. on March 6.