UNC women’s soccer standouts Brianna Pinto and Rachel Jones each earned Academic All-District honors earlier this week for their accomplishments both on and off the field.

Jones and Pinto were two of 12 players selected to the District 3 team, making them candidates for CoSIDA Academic All-America honors.

Pinto was a First Team All-American for the second straight season and one of three finalists for the MAC Hermann Trophy recognizing the national player of the year.

The Durham native — who is a business administration major and a merit scholarship recipient at the Kenan-Flagler Business School — was also the No. 3 overall pick in the NWSL Draft by Gotham FC, where she will begin her pro career next season. Her 14 goals tied for third nationally in 2020-21.

Jones earned Third Team All-American and First Team All-ACC honors this season after finishing second on the team in scoring with six goals and six assists. The senior is the president of UNC’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council and plans to enroll in law school after completing her degree in public policy.

The duo helped guide the Tar Heels to an 18-2 record this past season and the No. 2 overall seed in the NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament.

UNC advanced to the College Cup before suffering an upset loss to eventual national champion Santa Clara.

 

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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