Academics

Eckerstrom and Megaludis honored with 2016 McCoy Award

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Soccer player Britt Eckerstrom, a senior majoring in geography in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and wrestler Nico Megaludis, a senior majoring in business administration in the Smeal College of Business, were selected as the 2016 recipients of the Ernest B. McCoy Memorial Award.

The McCoy Award is presented annually to a senior student-athlete who has combined successful athletic participation with academic excellence. The award is named for the longtime dean of Penn State’s College of Physical Education, who also served as the University’s athletic director.

Eckerstrom capped off her Penn State goalkeeping career as team captain for the 2015 NCAA champion women’s soccer team. During the 2015 season, Eckerstrom started all 27 matches, and her record of 22-3-2 included 15 shutouts.

In her Nittany Lion career, Eckerstrom finished with a record of 61-14-3, and her 61 wins rank her second all-time at Penn State. She finished her time at Penn State with 255 saves — ranking her fourth all time — with 77 starts, 24 solo shutouts, 6,966 minutes played, and a goals against average of .80.

Eckerstrom’s 2015 honors include:

  • Academic All-Big Ten
  • All-Big Ten Tournament Team
  • CoSIDA Academic All-District Two First Team honoree

Three-time All-American Nico Megaludis claimed his first NCAA championship in the 125-pound weight class at Madison Square Garden in New York City this year. He’s already logged one of most successful lightweight careers in school history, reaching the NCAA finals twice and placing third as well.

Other contributions include:

  • Two-time First Team NWCA national All-Academic honoree and two-time Academic All-Big Ten recipient
  • Two-time First Team Academic All-Big Ten honoree
Last Updated April 15, 2016