Northwest Wayne News

The Wayne State University softball team has been recognized for its academic achievements, ranking among the top NCAA Division II programs with a 3.607 team GPA for the 2024-25 academic year. Thirteen members of the squad were named Easton NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes for maintaining at least a 3.50 GPA during the Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 semesters.

The athletes honored by the NFCA are: Abby Barnes (Exercise and Sport Science), Kate DeWitt (Pre-Physical Therapy), Danielle Fick (Exercise and Sport Science), Grace Fisher (Exercise and Sport Science), Lauren Fritz (Social Work), Maddie Hool (Sport Management), Mia Hool (Sport Management), Molly Hool (Accounting), Rylie Josephson (Nursing), Elly Koopman (Biological Sciences), Sydney Long (Sport Management), Jessie O'Donnell (Sport Management), and Montgomery Pepin (Applied Health Sciences).

"Paris Junior College (NJCAA) posted the top GPA as the NFCA revealed its Easton Top 10 GPAs for its collegiate divisions. Additionally, 9,199 collegiate student-athletes captured Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors for the 2024-25 academic year."

"Under the direction of head coach Shelby Shelton, Paris Junior College posted a 3.959 GPA in the classroom and topped all two-year programs. Along with Saint Louis University (3.910), Paris JC was just one of two programs to achieve a 3.9 mark, while a total of 13 teams earned a 3.8 GPA or better. Twenty-one Dragons earned scholar-athlete recognition."

"As previously mentioned, Christy Connoyer's Billikens collected top honors in NCAA Division I with the second highest overall GPA. For the second consecutive year, Hal Wynn's Faulkner University program bested NAIA with a 3.897 GPA. Auburn University at Montgomery (Scottie Wilkes) posted a 3.882 GPA to top NCAA Division II programs, while Worcester Polytechnic Institute led NCAA DIII with a 3.830 GPA."

"The rankings and honors recognize the academic prowess of softball teams across the Association's membership categories. NCAA Division III led the way with 2,565 student-athletes earning a 3.5 grade-point average or higher for 2024-25. NCAA Division I followed with 2,544 and NCAA Division II with 2,179. Junior colleges and NAIA came in with 895 and 1,010 student-athletes respectively. Six student-athletes from Penn State Scranton earned recognition in the Other Four-Year category."

"Team GPAs and scholar-athletes are submitted by member head coaches. High School team GPA winners and scholar-athletes will be announced on Sept. 4."