West Virginia Universitymens soccer players have had plenty to cheer about over the past two seasons. A Big East regular season championship, back-to-back National Collegiate Athletic Associations (NCAA) tournament appearances and a combined record of 28-11-5 are just some of the Mountaineersamazing accomplishments.

But for graduating midfielder Matt Anstey, his success did not end on the playing field. The Canberra, Australia, native graduates as one of the finest players on the soccer pitch and in the classroom in recent history. NicknamedDingoafter the breed of wild dog that roams his homeland, he has accumulated quite a resume in four years in Morgantown.

Athletically, Anstey was a stronghold on the Mountaineer soccer team as he ranks second in career matches played (78) to go along with a goal and five assists. Academically, the finance major boasts a 3.42 grade-point average through the fall and is a four-year member of the Athletic Directors Academic Honor Roll and the Big East Academic All-Star Team.

The success on the field was probably more demanding on my time over the first couple years but over my junior and senior years I realized how important academics really were,Anstey said.I learned the importance of excellence on the field as well as in the classroom at West Virginia.

Mix his success on the field with classroom excellence, and Anstey racked up plenty of awards during his senior year. He was named a member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) honorable mention regional team. He also was named to the 2006-07 Big East/Aéropostale Scholar-Athletes list and will receive a $2,000 scholarship towards graduate studies.

It was special to be named a Big East male scholar athlete of the year,he said.I put so much effort into school and soccer. It was tough to maintain my grades so to be recognized for both means a lot.

He will not use that scholarship right away though as Anstey has secured a job as a junior lender with United Bank in the Washington D.C. area.Dingowill be trading in game film to review corporations seeking loans from $50,000 to $30 million.

I think the overall experience I gained at WVU as a team captain and leader in the classroom really helped me get a job and prepare me for what lays ahead,he said.My time here provided me invaluable experience for working in a professional business environment.

Anstey credits his success to his coaches as well as his professors, especially those in the finance department such as Paul Speaker. Speaker played an instrumental role in the Aussies classroom success as well as landing his job and making contacts in the field.

I have made some good connections through networking in the U.S., and I want to take advantage of the job opportunities I have been given,Anstey said.

Whether he ends up in the United States or Australia, one thing is certain: With a bright future ahead of him, Anstey is going to give his former professors, coaches and himself plenty to cheer about.