Division III student-athletes tackle a well-rounded college experience that emphasizes academic programs and earning a degree. Excelling in both academics and athletics isn't easy, but two Linfield University men's soccer players did just that as Logan Clizer and Cameron Gaines were named to the 2022 College Sports Communicators NCAA Division III Academic All-District Men's Soccer Team, announced Tuesday.
 
Clizer and Gaines were among 19 student-athletes honored from the Northwest Conference. Clizer is working toward a degree in marketing while Gaines is majoring in business. Pacific Lutheran and Willamette led the NWC with six selections apiece while Whitworth had four. The remaining honoree came from Puget Sound.
 
The captain of the Wildcats in 2022, Clizer started in 18 of 19 matches, totaling 1,284 minutes played. The senior defender from Portland fired off two shots on the season and assisted on a match-tying goal in a 1-1 home draw with Puget Sound on Sept. 18
 
Gaines appeared and started in 16 matches, tallying 16 shots and nine shots on goal while finishing the season tied for the team lead with two assists. The sophomore from Happy Valley notched his lone goal of the season against cross-county rival George Fox on Sept. 24, scoring the game-winner in a 1-0 shutout of the Bruins.
 
The 2022 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Men's Soccer Teams recognize student-athletes for their success on the field and in the classroom. The honorees will advance for consideration on the CSC Academic All-America ballot. Academic All-America honorees will be announced in December.