Brevard’s Hubbard, Anderson’s Jones Named SAC Soccer Scholar-Athletes of the Year

ROCK HILL, S.C. - Anderson junior Ben Jones and Brevard senior Caitlin Hubbard have been selected as the 2011 SAC men's and women's soccer Scholar-Athletes of the Year, a distinction which recognizes academic achievement, athletic excellence, service and leadership.

The awards are voted on by the league's Faculty Athletic Representatives.

"I am very proud of Ben and Caitlin for their hard work and accomplishments, both on the field and in the classroom," said SAC Commissioner Patrick Britz.

"They are each outstanding leaders on campus and define what it means to be well-rounded Division II student-athletes."

Jones, a midfielder on Anderson's regular-season SAC champion men's soccer team, has appeared in 16 of the Trojans' 18 matches this season, helping AU rise to No. 11 in the latest NSCAA national rankings.

A Cincinnati, Ohio native, Jones holds a 3.90 cumulative GPA majoring in kinesiology. His academic success has garnered numerous recognitions, including Anderson Dean's List and SAC Commissioner's Honor Roll distinctions.

Jones is a member of AU's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and a volunteer soccer coach at his hometown YMCA during the summer months. He served on a mission trip to Haiti last summer, and will take part in another mission to India over the upcoming holiday break.

Jones' charity involvement includes taking part in the "Help Build Hope" program that constructs homes for underprivileged families.

Hubbard, a defender/midfielder for Brevard, has been a staple in the Tornados' lineup all four years of her career.

Off the field, Hubbard holds a 3.83 GPA in exercise science, and is a teaching assistant in exercise physiology. She is a six-time member of the BC Dean's List and a three-time SAC Commissioner's Honor Roll designee.

Hubbard is involved in numerous campus organizations, including the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She is also president of the BC Exercise Science Club.

The Clayton, N.C., native is an avid community volunteer, serving with charities that include Bread of Life, Safe's Attic, Rise and Shine Freedom School, Sharing House and Tangier House. She is also currently organizing a 5K race to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

"The SAC membership continues to produce student-athletes who are role models on campus and will continue be leaders after athletics," Britz added.

"Ben Jones and Caitlin Hubbard are two of the best."