AUSTIN, Texas – The College Sports Communicators organization announced Wednesday its 2025 Academic All-America® Division I Women's Soccer Teams. South Dakota State's Lauren Eckerle was chosen as a Second Team honoree for Academic All-America recognition. 
 
Eckerle completed her college career during the 2025 season for the Jackrabbits. A four-year contributor to the program and two-year captain, Eckerle shined for SDSU during her senior campaign. 
 
The Hugo, Minn., native started in all 21 matches she played in. Eckerle led the Jacks in minutes played (1,770) and finished the year with career highs in assists (6), points (8), shots (11) and shots on goal (11). SDSU as a team ranked among the top 25 programs at the Division I level in goal differential, goals against average, total assists, total points, assists per game and corner kicks per game. 
 
Eckerle's play was rewarded during the course of the season. She was a First Team All-Summit League selection. She helped carry the Jackrabbits to three straight shutouts in postseason competition en route to South Dakota State capturing its third straight Summit League tournament title. Eckerle was tabbed with All-Tournament accolades and The Summit League Tournament MVP award.
 
South Dakota State's 2025 season ended in an NCAA Tournament First Round defeat at Iowa by a 1-0 score. The Jackrabbits went 13-3-6 overall over the course the slate which continued a streak of 13 consecutive seasons with 10-plus victories.
 
Eckerle is the fourth Academic All-American in program history. SDSU's previous Academic All-America honorees include Jocelyn Tanner in 2022 (Second Team), Diana Potterveld in 2014 (First Team) and Erin Kasmarik in 2008 (Second Team). She also was previously selected for her play on the field as a Second Team All-West Region performer by the United Soccer Coaches organization. 
 
Eckerle has already obtained her bachelor's degree in business economics. A 4.0 student at South Dakota State University, Eckerle is currently pursuing another bachelor's degree in accounting as well as a master's degree in economics. She was chosen last week as an Academic All-Summit League Team recipient for the second straight year.