Colorado College men's soccer senior defender Rex Karjian has been named a College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America Third Team selection, announced today. The honor recognizes Karjian's outstanding achievements both in the classroom and on the field during his senior season.

A Political Science major from Seattle, Wash., Karjian earned his second straight Academic All-American honor with a 3.86 GPA. He was named a second-team selection in 2024. 

He also capped a decorated final year by earning United Soccer Coaches All-America Second Team honors, becoming one of the nation's top defenders at the NCAA Division III level. He was also named SCAC Defender of the Year, while earning All-SCAC First Team and All-Region First Team recognition.

On the pitch, Karjian started 18 matches and logged 1,486 minutes, captaining a Colorado College squad that captured its second consecutive SCAC regular-season title and produced a program-record 18-game unbeaten streak. From the back line, he led the conference with 11 assists, while adding three goals to finish with 17 points, ranking among the SCAC leaders and setting career highs across the board.

Karjian's selection to the CSC Academic All-America team follows his inclusion on the Academic All-District team earlier this season.

"Rex is a talented player and a bright young man, but you don't achieve the levels that he has without an incredible work ethic and ambition," head coach Scott Palguta said. "Rex is driven to succeed in everything he does, and that is the foundation for his success.  I've been amazed by what he's accomplished in his time at CC, all while raising up those around him."

The CSC Academic All-America program honors student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement while competing at the highest levels of collegiate athletics.