By: Patrick Davis
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2024 CSC Academic All-District Team
OMAHA, Neb. – Creighton women’s soccer seniors Ariana Mondiri and Lara Kazandjian, along with junior Ella Offer and sophomore Clara Kulick, have proudly earned a prestigious spot on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team on Tuesday, November 19. This esteemed recognition highlights their extraordinary achievements both on the soccer field and in their academic pursuits.
The 2024 Academic All-District ® Women’s Soccer Team, meticulously selected by CSC, acknowledges the elite student-athletes across the nation for their outstanding performances in both athletics and academics. The CSC Academic All-America® program further distinguishes soccer players across four divisions – NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA, celebrating excellence at every level of collegiate sports.
The remarkable achievement of four honorees from the Bluejays ties for the second highest number recognized in a single year for the Creighton women’s soccer program, falling just short of the five players honored in 2022.
Illustrating her commitment to excellence, Mondiri has maintained a stellar 3.76 cumulative GPA while majoring in computer science. On the pitch, she has showcased her skills in 34 matches, with 21 starting appearances during her two seasons donning the Bluejay uniform. The native of Evry, France has made a tangible impact, scoring eight goals and providing three assists over 1,625 minutes of game time. This season, her prowess earned her Second Team All-BIG EAST honors, as she led the team with an impressive 11 points, courtesy of five goals and one assist.
Kazandjian, now a two-time recipient of the CSC Academic All-District honor, boasts an excellent 3.71 GPA while majoring in Exercise Science and Pre-Health. Throughout her three seasons with the Bluejays, she has made significant contributions by participating in 51 matches, accumulating 3,183 minutes of playing time. The Kirkland, Quebec, Canada native gained recognition as a First Team All-BIG EAST selection in 2022, finishing her illustrious career with five goals, three of which were game-winners, alongside four assists.
Offer, a dedicated exercise science major, entered the fall semester with a remarkable 3.95 cumulative GPA. As a defensive stalwart, she was the backbone of the Creighton back line, starting in all 17 matches during her inaugural season with the team. She diligently logged 1,491 minutes out of a possible 1,530 this season and took five shots from her defensive position, showcasing her contribution beyond just defense.
In her second season with the Bluejays, Kulick maintains a solid 3.69 cumulative GPA while pursuing her nursing degree. The Aurora, Colo. native has made her presence felt by participating in a total of 35 matches and earning 21 starting positions in her career thus far. Cumulatively, she has played 1,742 minutes in action and registered an assist earlier in the current season, demonstrating her potential and growth as a player.
How do your experiences on the soccer field influence your academic work and vice versa?
**Interview with Creighton Women’s Soccer Player Ariana Mondiri**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Ariana. Congratulations on being named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team! How does it feel to receive this honor?
**Ariana Mondiri:** Thank you so much! It feels incredible to be recognized for both my athletic and academic efforts. This award is a testament to the hard work my teammates and I have put in on and off the field.
**Editor:** You and three of your teammates were selected for this prestigious team, which is quite an achievement for Creighton. What does it mean to you personally to be part of that group?
**Ariana Mondiri:** It means a lot to me personally, but I also think it reflects the strong culture of our soccer program. We support each other academically and athletically, and it’s amazing to see our collective efforts acknowledged in this way.
**Editor:** You’ve been excelling academically with a GPA of 3.76 while pursuing a major in computer science. How do you balance the demands of being a student-athlete?
**Ariana Mondiri:** Balancing academics and athletics can be challenging, but it really comes down to time management and having a good support system. My professors and coaches have been incredibly understanding, and my teammates motivate me to stay focused.
**Editor:** What has been the most rewarding part of being a member of the Creighton women’s soccer team?
**Ariana Mondiri:** The bonds we’ve built as a team have been the most rewarding part for me. We’ve all grown not just as players, but as individuals. The friendships and experiences we’ve shared are something I’ll cherish forever.
**Editor:** Looking ahead, what are your goals for the rest of the season and beyond?
**Ariana Mondiri:** For the rest of the season, I want to help our team perform at our best and make a strong playoff push. Beyond soccer, I aspire to continue my studies in computer science and eventually find a career that combines my passions for technology and problem-solving.
**Editor:** Thank you, Ariana, for sharing your insights, and once again, congratulations on your accomplishment!
**Ariana Mondiri:** Thank you! I appreciate it!
