LOUSIVILLE, Ky. – Carson-Newman's softball program carried the 78th –best team GPA in NCAA Division II and 11 players were recognized with EASTON/NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete honors, the NFCA announced Tuesday. 

The rankings and honors recognize the academic prowess of softball teams across the Association's membership categories. NCAA Division I led the way with 2,573 student-athletes earning a 3.5 grade-point average or higher for 2023-24. NCAA Division III followed with 2,285 and NCAA Division II with 1,510. 

Carson-Newman carried a 3.43 GPA for the 2023-24 academic year.  

"I am extremely proud of not only those named to this honor but the team as a whole," Carson-Newman head softball coach Michael Graves said. "We talk a lot about the importance of making good grades and being just as competitive in the classroom as you are on the field. I am glad that we have had the opportunity to be a part of the lives of these extraordinary young ladies."

To qualify for the accolade, students need to have maintained a GPA of 3.50 or greater cumulatively.  The full list of honorees is below.  Macauley Bailey, Nickolette Ferugson and Riley Sikes all carry 4.0 GPAs from the list below.

Carson-Newman University Macauley Bailey
Carson-Newman University NicKolette Ferguson
Carson-Newman University Macey Hughes
Carson-Newman University Lexi Lacy
Carson-Newman University Abbi Martin
Carson-Newman University Mari Robbins
Carson-Newman University Syerra Rogers
Carson-Newman University Riley Sikes
Carson-Newman University Brooke Taylor
Carson-Newman University Mary Vandergriff
Carson-Newman University Kennady Warder