(Click here for link to full list of NFCA Division III honorees.)
STARKVILLE, Miss. – Over 4,000 student-athletes representing 707 different academic institutions were named as a 2011 NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced. The Saint Mary's College softball program was recognized as an All-Academic Team while four members of the 2011 softball squad earned All-America Scholar Athlete recognition.
As a team, the Belles posted a 3.271 cumulative GPA last spring. That group academic effort was the second-highest among MIAA schools listed as All-Academic Teams. Individually, Hayley Bojorquez, Shelby Del Regno, Catherine (Kate) Mitchell, and Katie Olejniczak earned All-America Scholar Athlete distinction for their excellence in the classroom during the past school year.
The award is given to any player submitted by a member coach who achieved a 3.50 grade point average or higher during the 2010-11 academic year. The award is the second component of the Association’s academic award program. Last week, the teams with the highest GPAs in each membership category were recognized as a 2011 NFCA Top Ten All-Academic team.
Since taking over the post of head coach of the Saint Mary's softball program, Erin Sullivan has coached almost 30 NFCA All-America Scholar Athletes.