DETROIT -- The Wayne State University softball squad ranked fifth nationally among the NCAA Division II softball programs with a 3.757 team GPA for the 2025-26 academic year. In addition, 15 members of the squad received Easton NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete recognition for recording at least a 3.50 GPA for the Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 semesters combined.
Those honored by the NFCA (alphabetically) were:
Sophomore Abby Barnes, Marketing
Freshman Brooke Bunch, Applied Health Sciences
Freshman Addison Cosgrove, Communication Sciences & Disorders
Sophomore Kate DeWitt, Exercise & Sport Science
Freshman Ellery Garver, Psychology
Junior Mia Hool, Sport Management
Junior Molly Hool, Finance
Sophomore Elly Koopman, Exercise & Sport Science
Junior Sydney Long, Sport Management
Freshman Marin McCullough, Exercise & Sport Science
Junior Lexi Mielke, Applied Health Sciences
Sophomore Hunter Near, Exercise & Sport Science
Sophomore Julia Sandles, Global Supply Chain Management
Junior Kyra Shadduck, Psychology
Freshman Ella Vinco, Exercise & Sport Science
NFCA Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — For the second consecutive year, Paris Junior College (NJCAA) is recognized as the top academic program as the NFCA revealed its Easton Top 10 GPAs for collegiate teams. Additionally, 8,850 collegiate student-athletes captured Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors for the 2025-26 academic year.
Under the direction of former head coach Shelby Shelton, Paris JC posted a 3.942 GPA in the classroom, the lone program to achieve a 3.9 amongst all colleges on this year's lists. This came on the heels of a semifinal appearance at the 2026 NJCAA DI World Series. Following close by is another NJCAA program in Bryant & Stratton College – Wisconsin (Dean Herman) with a 3.88 GPA. NCAA Division I's Butler University and Eastern Illinois University grabbed the next two spots with 3.876 and 3.87 GPAs, followed by Bates College in NCAA Division III at 3.86.
Rounding out the top 10 are Lincoln Memorial University (NCAA DII – 3.853), Eastern Oklahoma State College (3.847 – NJCAA DI), University of Alabama Tuscaloosa (NCAA DI – 3.844), McLennan Community College (NJCAA DI – 3.82) and University of Hartford (NCAA DIII – 3.818).
A total of 14 teams charted a 3.8 or better, which included each top group member – Butler University (NCAA DI), Lincoln Memorial University (NCAA DII), Bates College (NCAA DIII) and Faulkner University (NAIA) - with an additional 66 programs that achieved a 3.7 or better.
For a third consecutive year, Hal Wynn's Faulkner bested the NAIA with a 3.808 GPA. In NCAA Division I, Butler (Scott Hall) edged out Eastern Illinois (Kristi Paulson) by a mere .006 points. Lincoln Memorial (Ritchie Richardson) topped NCAA Division II programs, while Bates (Katharine McKay) led NCAA DIII.
The rankings and honors recognize the academic prowess of softball teams across the Association's membership categories. NCAA Division I led the way with 2,637 student-athletes earning a 3.5 grade-point average or higher for 2025-26. NCAA Division III followed with 2,491 and NCAA Division II with 1,869. Junior colleges and NAIA came in with 1,190 and 655 student-athletes respectively. Seven student-athletes from Bay Path University earned recognition in the Other Four-Year category.
Team GPAs and scholar-athletes are submitted by member head coaches. High School team GPA winners and scholar-athletes will be announced on Sept. 9.
