FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 18, 2008

Southern softball named NFCA All-Academic Team

Starkville, Miss. - The Missouri Southern softball team had the 24th best team GPA in Division II this past season and has been recognized as a National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-Academic team for their success in the classroom.

Along with the team award, seven Lions were recognized as Scholar Athletes. To be recognized, an athlete must have a cumulative 3.5 GPA. Angie Turner, Danielle Fuller, Kayleigh Cecil, Lauryn Berger, Lindsay Bellm, Kelli Bax and Tamika Barnes all earned the individual honor.

The Lions had the second highest GPA amongst MIAA schools, trailing only Emporia State. Missouri Southern had a team GPA of 3.279 this last season.

"This proves the commitment of the athletes both on and off the field," head coach Bill Gray said. "These young women have worked hard on the field and in the classroom and are reaping some of the benefits."
 

Division II
Rank School Head Coach GPA
1 Grand Canyon University Ann Pedersen 3.68
2 Grand Valley State University Doug Woods 3.575
3 Southeastern Oklahoma State University Ron Faubion 3.482
4 Lewis University George DiMatteo 3.428
5 Emporia State University Kristi Bredbenner 3.416
6 Tiffin University Brian Campbell 3.412
7 Indiana University of Pennsylvania Ali Ferrari 3.409
8 Rockhurst University Galen Struve 3.406
9 Quincy University Charlene Obert 3.388
T-10 Chowan University Mandi Balduf 3.38
T-10 Barry University Danielle Penner 3.38
12 Regis University Dana Lillard 3.372
13 Adelphi University Paige Smith 3.368
14 Francis Marion University Stacey Vallee 3.36
15 The University of Findlay Ron Ammons 3.353
16 Chadron State College Robert Stack 3.35
17 Florida Southern College Chris Bellotto 3.343
18 Wayne State University Gary Bryce 3.308
19 C.W. Post - Long Island University Jamie Apicella 3.303
20 Limestone College Jimmy Martin 3.297
21 Seattle University Dan Powers 3.294
22 Millersville University Kathy Cummings 3.287
23 University of Southern Indiana Sue Kunkle 3.281
T-24 Missouri Southern State University Bill Gray 3.279
T-24 Pace University Claudia Stabile 3.279
T-26 Rollins College Michelle Frew 3.26
T-26 Mansfield University Edith Gallagher 3.26
28 Missouri University of Science and Technology Don Kennedy 3.259
29 University of Central Missouri Susan Anderson 3.258
30 Minnesota State University, Mankato Lori Meyer 3.25
31 West Texas A&M University Kevin Blaskowski 3.245
32 West Chester University Diane Lokey 3.236
33 Brevard College Britney Stubbs 3.233
T-34 Wimington University Erin Harvey 3.223
T-34 Colorado School of Mines Annie VanWetzinga 3.223
36 Felician College Kathy Hill 3.22
37 Goldey-Beacom College Jerry Grasso 3.209
T-38 University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Scott Peterson 3.2
T-38 St. Mary's University Donna Fields 3.2
T-38 Valdosta State University Thomas Macera 3.2
41 Wheeling Jesuit University Bill Vasko 3.194
42 Bloomsburg University Jan Hutchinson 3.187
T-43 Caldwell College Dean Johnson 3.174
T-43 Wingate University Michelle Caddigan 3.174
45 Ferris State University Keri Becker 3.171
46 Georgia Court University Jeff Franquet 3.14
47 Saint Leo University Christi Wade 3.136
48 Southwest Missouri State University Shawn Semler 3.13
49 West Liberty State College Herb Minch 3.111
50 Molloy College Susan Cassidy-Lyke 3.108