Indianapolis, Ind. - This week the Horizon League announced their Men's Soccer All-Academic Team for the 2023 season. 

The last few weeks have been laser focused for Oakland, with pressure on to retain their tightly contested number one seed and all eyes are on their performance on the field, but with the recent announcement of the All-Academic Team, the Golden Grizzlies bring in pleasant news off the field as well.

Fifth year midfielder Ville Ahola was named to the All-Academic Team, joining just 10 other players from the league to earn the honor. 

"Ville is the definition of the phrase 'student-athlete'. He combines high level play on the soccer field with high level academic success in the classroom," said Oakland Head Coach Eric Pogue. "He's a great role model for our younger guys and shows them how to combine and manage the two and be successful".

Ahola is currently planning to graduate this December with a degree in exercise science and holds one of the highest GPAs on the team with a 3.74 grade point average. During the 2022 season, the Finland native held a 3.7 GPA and was named a United Soccer Coaches All-American, and he has great odds to repeat that feat.

Ahola has showed his value on the field, playing and starting in 16 games this season, logging over 1,300 minutes played and dishing out two assists on the year.

He looks to help guide the Golden Grizzlies past Detroit Mercy in their final regular season of the game as they take on Detroit Mercy at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at the Oakland Soccer Field.

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Student-athletes, parents, and fans can follow Oakland Men's Soccer on social media using @OaklandMSOC on Twitter and Instagram. The Gold Standard Name, Image, and Likeness Marketplace is available to bridge NIL opportunities for student-athletes and can be found here via Opendorse.