TYLER, TEXAS – The University of Texas at Tyler softball program ranked seventh in all of NCAA Division II Softball with a team GPA of 3.724 as part of the 2023-24 Eastern/NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete honors announcement.
The 2024 NCAA Division II National Champions had 15 representatives on the Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete Awards list. 8,054 collegiate student-athletes from across all levels of collegiate softball were recognized on the list.
The rankings and honors recognize the academic prowess of softball teams across the Association's membership categories. Team GPAs and scholar-athletes are submitted by member head coaches.
Post University earned the highest team GPA in NCAA Division II while UT Tyler stood as the only Lone Star Conference program within the top 10. The Patriots were one of just two programs alongside Auburn-Montgomery to rank within the top 10 nationally in team GPA and advance to the 2024 NCAA Division II World Series.
"I am so proud for our student-athletes to be honored for their dedication in the classroom," Head coach
Mike Reed said. "To win a national championship is truly special, but to accomplish that while also finishing in the top seven nationally in the classroom is a true testament to their drive. The team represented what it means to be a true student-athlete!"
UT Tyler was represented by the following individuals on the 2023-24 list.
Michelle Arias
Taryn Barney
Crimson Bryant
Hailey Fannin
Makayla Garcia
Christin Haygood
Leah Hensarling
Cassidi Mullen
Madison Okano
Courtney Plocheck
Nicole Price
Angelique Rangel
Jordyn Smith
Tara Stewart
Clarisa Zapata
On the field, the Patriots went 58-8 overall, culminating their season with a perfect 10-0 run in the NCAA Tournament that saw them go 5-0 at the Division II World Series. UT Tyler claimed the Lone Star Conference Regular Season Championship for the fourth straight season and South Central Regional Championship for the third straight season in route to the 2024 NCAA Division II National Championship.
