DePaul University Athletics
Megally Named to NSCAA Scholar All-America Team
12/15/2016 12:00:00 AM | MEN'S SOCCER
NSCAA Scholar All-America Team 
CHICAGO - Simon Megally, coach Craig Blazer and the entire DePaul men's soccer program received some terrific news on Thursday.
Megally was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Scholar All-America Team, becoming the third Blue Demon to receive such an honor in program history. He was selected to the second team.
A senior majoring in Health Science with a grade-point average of 3.45, Megally joins Alex Mangan and Brian Visser on Academic All-America teams.
In 2010, Mangan was selected to the NSCAA/adidas Scholar All-America Team First Team, Lowe's Senior CLASS All America Second Team and the ESPN Academic All-American Team Third Team. In 2007, Brian Visser was named NSCAA/adidas Scholar All-America First Team.
"I'm very humbled and honored to win this award," said Megally who competed at a college combine for pro soccer prospects last week and will participate in a combine in front of representatives from eight Major League Soccer teams next week. "The award is for an individual, but it really comes down to all the people around me---my teammates, coaches, teachers and everybody working to make me a better person every day.
"This says a lot about the character and work ethic of the men's soccer program which has taken a big step on the soccer field and continues to achieve more and more on the academic side. It shows what can be accomplished on and off the field.
"That's a big reason why we've qualified for the BIG EAST Championship tournament the last two years. I know this is an individual recognition, but it really is a team award for the hard work everybody put in."
Blazer was excited about the accolade.
"This is outstanding," he said. "Everybody within the DePaul men's soccer program from the players to the coaches to the support staff are all thrilled for Simon and his family. Simon has maximized his talent and ability on and off the field, and it's rewarding to see him receive this national recognition.
"In the recruiting process, we strive to attract premier student-athletes with the ability to reach their potential on the national level, playing in the BIG EAST Conference and excelling in the classroom. Simon is a prime example of that.
"It takes a lot to gain national recognition, and this reflects on the whole team. To see Simon placed alongside Alex Mangan and Brian Visser is so appropriate because we got the best out of all three guys."
