Richard Kentish Named to NSCAA Scholar All-America Team

COMPLETE SCHOLAR ALL-AMERICA TEAM

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Richard Kentish (Kingston, Jamaica), who recently wrapped up a stellar three-year career with the Southern New Hampshire University men's soccer program, was recently named to the 2009 adidas/National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Scholar All-America Team.  Kentish, a Business major carrying a 3.42 grade point average, was named to the Second Team.  Kentish was one of just six Division II players to make the team, as the squad consists of student-athletes from NCAA Division II and III institutions.

To be nominated for consideration, student-athletes must have at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) throughout their career; start more than 50 percent of all games and be a significant contributor to the team; be nominated by an institution that is a current NSCAA College Services member; be a junior or above in academic standing at the current institution and either be in their second year at the current school if a transfer student.

Kentish, a back, was named a First Team All-American by both the NSCAA and Daktronics in 2009.  In addition, Kentish was the Northeast-10 Defensive Player of the Year  and is a three-time Northeast-10 All-Conference selection.  One of four players to start all 22 games for the Penmen, Kentish anchored a defense that recorded 11 shutouts and posted a 0.56 goals-against average, good for seventh nationally.  The Penmen recorded seven straight shutouts from September 5-September 27, the second longest string in program history, and allowed more than one goal just twice in 22 games. 

The Southern New Hampshire University men's soccer team finished 14-4-4 overall and advanced to the NCAA Division II quarterfinals for the first time since the 2002 season.  The Penmen captured their second straight Northeast-10 regular season title.  SNHU was ranked No. 8 in the final adidas/NSCAA Division II poll.