Springfield Standard

Missouri State University's softball team has been recognized by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) for its academic performance during the 2024-25 academic year. The team tied for 12th place among NCAA Division I programs, achieving a cumulative grade-point average of 3.720.

Sixteen members of the Missouri State softball team were named Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes. To qualify for this honor, student-athletes must have maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 during the academic year.

According to the NFCA, these awards highlight the academic achievements of softball teams across different collegiate divisions. NCAA Division III had the highest number of student-athletes with GPAs above 3.5, totaling 2,565, while NCAA Division I had 2,544 and NCAA Division II had 2,179 recipients. In total, 9,199 collegiate student-athletes received Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors for the year.

"The rankings and honors recognize the academic prowess of softball teams across the Association's membership categories," according to the NFCA release.

The following Missouri State players earned All-America Scholar-Athlete status: Taylor Akers, Riley Baber, Mackenzie Chacon, Emily Gerardy, Aubrey Johansen, Sofia King, Sidney McLaughlin, Chloe Merced, Elle Nelsen, Nicole Norman, Alexis Perales, Brynn Romine, Halle Studer, Makenzi Swick, Kayla Ulrich and McKenzie Vaughan.