NSCAA Players of the Year | NSCAA Scholar All-American teams 

Rio Hondo College sophomore defender and co-captain Maritza Acuna (Downey HS/Downey, CA) has been named the National Soccer Coaches Assocition of America (NSCAA) Junior College Scholar National Player of the Year for 2015.

She was recognized and received her award on January 16 at the NSCAA All-America Awards banquet held in Baltimore as part of the NSCAA Coaches Convention.

In addition, Acuna has been named first-team NSCAA Scholar All-American. To be named to the cholar All-America team, a student-athlete must have at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) throughout his or her career, start more than 50 percent of all games and be a significant contributor to the team, and be nominated by an institution that is a current NSCAA College Services member.

Acuna, a biology/pre-med major, helped lead the Roadrunners to the California State Championship game and a No. 8 final national ranking. She was also a two-time All-Foothill Conference honoree while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

"What a huge honor for Maritza and Rio Hondo College," said head coach Jennifer Tanaka. "We are very proud of her accomplishments in the classroom and on the field.  Martiza is very committed to being the best student-athlete she can be. She's disciplined, hardworking and courageous in the classroom and as a player. The coaching staff and players are very proud of her to be recognized as the Scholar Player of the Year."

Her sister Janeth Acuna was also honored by the NSCAA, being named second-team Scholar All-American.