ELON, N.C. – Elon senior defender Steven Kinney was named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America third team, the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) announced on Wednesday. Kinney is the first Phoenix men’s soccer player to receive the prestigious recognition. He has maintained a 3.7 GPA as an accounting major.

Kinney has been a starter since he donned the maroon and gold as a freshman. The three-time first-team all-conference selection has helped the Elon back line record 28 shutout performances during his four years. This year, the Phoenix tied the school single-season record with 10 clean slates.

Kinney is no stranger to the goal either, having netted eight goals and assisted on six others during his career. He was honored earlier this season as one of the 30 finalists for the Lowes Senior CLASS award. The native of Norcross, Ga., led Elon to its first-ever appearance in the Southern Conference Tournament championship game last weekend.

Kinney was one of only two Southern Conference players honored, joining Davidson’s Charlie Reiter who earned first-team recognition.