Softball Attains Top 20 Team GPA

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Over 8,000 student-athletes (8,161), a first in NFCA history, were named 2019 Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes, the Association announced on Wednesday afternoon.

The rankings and honors recognize the academic prowess of softball teams across the Association's membership categories. NCAA Division III led the way with 1,928 student-athletes earning a 3.5 grade-point average or higher for 2018-19. NCAA Division I and Division II followed with 1,769 and 1,306 honorees.

Urbana University produced the 18th-best team GPA in Division II with an overall 3.58 during the 2018-19 season. The Blue Knights were one of two teams in the Mountain East Conference ranked among the top 20 as West Liberty University (3.59) was two slots ahead of UU.

Among the Blue Knights named Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar Athletes were Britney Bonno, Madison Bryant, Mackenzie Frantz, Erin Gardner, Mikayla Kesel, Jade Laviolette, Allison Neeld, Kayleigh Pate and Kylah Swanson.

Grand Canyon University (3.76) is the top NCAA Division I program for the second straight year and third time in the last five. The University of Bridgeport program bested NCAA Division II with a 3.776 GPA, while Greenville University and Johnson & Wales University shared the honors with a 3.78 GPA in NCAA Division III. College of the Sequoias (Cal JC), under the direction of Michelle Bolt, led all two-year institutions with a 3.76 GPA.

Full NFCA Release.

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Players Mentioned

#7 Kylah Swanson: OF; 5' 7"; Sophomore; R/R

#11 Kayleigh Pate: P/OF; 5' 5"; Freshman; R/R

#16 Jade Laviolette: P; 5' 10"; Freshman; R/R

#15 Allison Neeld: 2B; 5' 2"; Freshman; R/R

#6 Britney Bonno: MI; 5' 6"; Freshman; L/R

#5 Erin Gardner: 3B; 5' 6"; Freshman; L/R

#10 Mackenzie Frantz: C; 5' 3"; Freshman; R/R

#3 Mikayla Kesel: OF; 5' 8"; Freshman; L/R

#18 Madison Bryant: P; 5' 6"; Freshman; R/R

Players Mentioned

#7 Kylah Swanson
: 5' 7"; Sophomore; R/R
: OF

#11 Kayleigh Pate
: 5' 5"; Freshman; R/R
: P/OF

#16 Jade Laviolette
: 5' 10"; Freshman; R/R
: P

#15 Allison Neeld
: 5' 2"; Freshman; R/R
: 2B

#6 Britney Bonno
: 5' 6"; Freshman; L/R
: MI

#5 Erin Gardner
: 5' 6"; Freshman; L/R
: 3B

#10 Mackenzie Frantz
: 5' 3"; Freshman; R/R
: C

#3 Mikayla Kesel
: 5' 8"; Freshman; L/R
: OF

#18 Madison Bryant
: 5' 6"; Freshman; R/R
: P