Junior defenseman Matt Fleming has been named the recipient of the Elite 89 Award for the 2012 NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championships.

The Elite 89, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers.

The Elite 89 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's Championships.

Fleming, who has a double major in both international business and spanish, has helped anchor a defense that has given up just 14 goals this season.

He has also recorded four assists on the year.

The No. 5 Polar Bears will compete in the first Final Four in school history on Friday when they face off against No. 7 Williams (Mass.) at 2:30 pm EST at Blossom Soccer Stadium in San Antonio Texas.