Hopkinton High School standouts Nina Tzouganatos (left) and Madison Recupero were named to the United Soccer Coaches High School Scholar All-America Team.

Madison Recupero and Nina Tzouganatos have been best friends since they were middle schoolers and shared numerous memories on the soccer pitch. This summer, the pair became two of just 60 players in the country to be named to the United Soccer Coaches High School Scholar All-America Team.

“I was really excited, I feel like being a Scholar All-American is almost better than being a regular All-American,” said Recupero, who also was named Gatorade Player of the Year in Massachusetts.

“For me, it’s about both,” she added. “I was super excited to be recognized for my work in the classroom and on the field.”

The pair of recent Hopkinton High School graduates are continuing their soccer careers in college after helping the Hillers to an unbeaten regular season last fall. Recupero is attending Princeton, while Tzouganatos is at Boston University. Tzouganatos said she was “shocked” when she received the letter informing her of her selection.

“There is a lot more than just being an athlete, you have to be a student first,” she said. “It has taken some time for me to understand that and get things done, but I was pretty proud of myself for being able to receive that award.”

Unsurprisingly, the two young women also are focusing on their academic goals as they take their soccer games to the collegiate level. Recupero said her favorite subjects are math and science, and she plans to pursue a course of study that incorporates both. Her desire to excel in the classroom is part of what drew her to the Ivy League.

“Princeton has both, it’s definitely one of the most challenging academic schools and it has a really good soccer team,” Recupero said. “Using soccer to help get me into a school that has strong academics was super important to me.”

Tzouganatos said BU is a good fit for her because of the wide array of academic opportunities it offers. She also said she loves her new teammates and the Terriers coaching staff. She said the skills she has honed that allowed her to earn Scholar All-American honors will help her balance the rigors of schoolwork and playing for a Division 1 program.

“I always write things down and plan out a bunch, and it’s super helpful to lay out my schedule — when I am going to study and do homework,” Tzouganatos said. “I prioritize getting my schoolwork done at appropriate times so I am able to get rest so I can go to bed and rest and be able to perform at practice.”

And perhaps the best part about the most recent honor is that the two longtime friends and teammates are able to enjoy it together.

“She has been my best friend for six years now, I am really happy for her,” Recupero said. “The fact that we got this and can be happy for each other and share this accomplishment is something I am really grateful for.”

“She is someone I rely on a lot,” added Tzouganatos. “Not just with school and soccer. She is so smart and she definitely helped me along the way. I am super, super honored that we were able to share this together.”