EAST STROUDSBURG – For the third consecutive season, East Stroudsburg University women's soccer graduate student Rebecca Kotula has been named an Academic All-American by College Sports Communicators, earning second-team honors.
Kotula became the first Warrior in program history to earn the honor multiple times last year. She now joins an elite group of six ESU student-athletes to earn Academic All-America honors three times, including:Devon Ackerman (football, 2015–17), Alex Zubko (cross country/track & field, 2015–17), Rose Mascoli (cross country/track & field, 2011–13), Katie Horst (field hockey, 1997–99) and Laura Mason (cross country/track & field, 1983–85).
The Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, native earned second-team recognition in 2022 and 2024, as well as first-team honors in 2023.
"This news comes as a total shock, but in the best way possible," Kotula said. "Never did I think I would achieve this goal, let alone multiple times. I am so incredibly grateful for this award.
"I want to thank my coaches and team first and foremost for always supporting me. I also want to thank my parents for their unwavering support these last four years. I'm proud to represent this program, and I'm so grateful for everything it's taught me over my career as a Warrior. Thank you to everyone who made this happen. I couldn't be more thankful."
Kotula earned her bachelor's degree with a 4.0 GPA as a political science and philosophy double major in Spring 2023. She currently maintains a 4.0 GPA while pursuing a master's degree in management and leadership in organizational behavior, with plans to graduate this winter.
On the field, Kotula ranked second on the team with six goals and 12 points in 2024, and she finished her career tied for ninth all-time in program history for career goals. She was named to the All-PSAC East First Team, becoming just the fifth Warrior in program history to earn the honor three times.
"Congratulations to Rebecca on her Academic All-America honors," said ESU women's soccer head coach Meagan DeWan. "It's a significant achievement that reflects her hard work and dedication both on the field and in her studies.
"It's always inspiring to see student-athletes excel in multiple areas. We couldn't be more proud of her accomplishments here at ESU. It's a great day to be a Warrior."
In addition to her CSC Academic All-America accolades, Kotula was named a United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American in 2022. She has also been a PSAC Scholar-Athlete every year since 2021 and has earned dean's list recognition each semester.
"I could not be happier for Rebecca," said ESU Director of Athletics Dr. Allen Snook. "This honor is a testament to her work ethic, as she has received accolades not only on the field but also in the classroom.
"Congratulations to her on becoming the first three-time Academic All-American for our women's soccer program."
The Division II and III CSC Academic All-America® programs are partially supported by the NCAA Division II and III national governance structures to assist CSC in handling awards fulfillment for the 2024–25 Academic All-America® programs.
For more information about the CSC Academic All-District® and Academic All-America® Teams program, visit AcademicAllAmerica.com.
ESU Women's Soccer Academic All-America® Selections
| Year |
Name |
Team |
Position |
| 2024 |
Rebecca Kotula |
2nd |
Midfield |
| 2023 |
Rebecca Kotula |
1st |
Midfield |
| 2022 |
Rebecca Kotula |
2nd |
Midfield |
| 2019 |
Monica Wood |
3rd |
Midfield |
| 2018 |
Nicole Abbott |
2nd |
Midfield |
| 2016 |
Andrea Polanco |
2nd |
Back |
| 2016 |
Hannah Gombos |
2nd |
Back |
ESU Three-Time Academic All-America® Honorees
| Name |
Years |
Sport |
| Rebecca Kotula |
2022–24 |
Women's Soccer |
| Devon Ackerman |
2015–17 |
Football |
| Alex Zubko |
2015–17 |
Cross Country/Track & Field |
| Rose Mascoli |
2011–13 |
Cross Country/Track & Field |
| Katie Horst |
1997–99 |
Field Hockey |
| Laura Mason |
1983–85 |
Cross Country/Track & Field |
