LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association Tuesday announced that eight members of the Abilene Christian 2016-17 softball team garnered NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors.
"It is great that we had eight athletes named to the NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete list," head coach
Bobby Reeves said. "I don't think we have ever had that many make it on the list at the same time."
To qualify for the award the recipient must earn a 3.5 grade point average or higher for the academic year. A record 7,351 softball players received recognition across seven membership divisions. Wildcats
Brianna Barnhill,
Blair Clayton,
Peyton Hedrick,
Donelle Johnson,
Nicole Matise,
Holly Neese,
Hannah Null and
Emily Womble were among the 1,843 DI student-athletes to receive honors.
"It was a great last year finishing second in conference and having that many athletes on this list proves how important both academics and softball are for our team," added Reeves.
Barnhill, Clayton, Hedrick and Null all posted perfect 4.0 GPA's during the spring term of 2017.
Seven additional Southland Conference schools had individuals receive recognition: Sam Houston (12), Lamar (8), Northwestern State (8), Houston Baptist (7), Central Arkansas (6), Southeastern Louisiana (5) and Stephen F. Austin (2).
