Cal State LA's men's soccer student-athlete Carl Solli capped off his outstanding career by being voted the 2023-24 CCAA Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
 
The award is voted on and selected by the Faculty Athletic Representatives (FARs) from the Conference's 12-member institutions. It focuses on student-athletes' work in the classroom, the community, and their respective sports.
 
Solli earned his Bachelor's in Computer Science in 2022 and completed his Master's in the same field in May 2024. He was named to the CCAA Honor Roll five times and received a D2 Athletic Directors Association (ADA) Academic Achievement Award.
 
"Carl Solli is truly deserving of this prestigious award," said Cal State LA's Executive Director for Intercollegiate Athletics, Daryl Gross. "He embodies the essence of a champion both on and off the field, serving as a role model for all of us at Cal State Los Angeles as we aim to cultivate future leaders. His exceptional performance in sports and his dedication to a rigorous academic curriculum have been remarkable. Furthermore, his commitment to community service, his positive interactions with others, and his infectious smile make him a well-rounded individual and a promising candidate for future success."
 
Solli was dedicated to giving back to his campus and the LA community. He often volunteered with teammates at local elementary schools and the LA Unified School District's Food Bank. He also assisted with a free soccer camp for underprivileged youth and stood out to coaches and campers as a role model for the children.
 
On the pitch, the native of Sanderfjord, Norway, had one of the most successful four-year careers in Golden Eagles history. Over 70 matches, Solli scored 16 goals and provided 14 assists, but he had a knack for the big moments, especially in the NCAA playoffs. He had assists in four of Cal State LA's five matches on its run to the 2021 NCAA Championship. He had the assist on the game-winning goal in the championship match. This year, Solli helped lead Cal State LA to the CCAA regular season and Tournament Championships. He was named to the CCAA all-tournament team and was an All-CCAA honorable mention.
 
“We are incredibly proud of Carl's achievement in being named the 2023-24 CCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year," said Cal State LA's head men's soccer coach, Michael Erush. "This prestigious award is a testament to Carl’s dedication, hard work, and excellence both on the field and in the classroom. Carl exemplifies the true spirit of a scholar-athlete, and we are honored to celebrate this well-deserved recognition."
 
Solli is the first Golden Eagle to win CCAA Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 20 years (Stuart Richmond, 2004-05) and just the third overall. Click here for the complete list of past CCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year Winners.
 
To be nominated for the CCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year award, individuals must have a 3.5 grade-point average or higher at a conference institution, complete their final season of eligibility, and participate in a CCAA-sponsored sport.