NFCA Announces Top 10 Team GPAs and All-America Scholar-Athletes

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) softball team was recognized by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) for its stellar performance in the classroom for the 2023-24 academic year by tying for seventh with a 3.73 GPA among all Division I softball teams, as announced by the organization Tuesday.
 
"I am incredibly proud of this group to accomplish this outstanding feat," stated Head Coach Janelle Breneman. "Team 39 worked extremely hard in the classroom and this recognition is a great representation of one of our Spartan values."  
 
UNCG also saw 20 student-athletes named Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes.
 
For each student-athlete to be named an NFCA Scholar-Athlete, they must have achieved a 3.5 or better cumulative GPA for the 2023-24 academic year.
 
The rankings and honors recognize the academic prowess of softball teams across the Association's membership categories. NCAA Division I led the way with 2,285 student-athletes earning a 3.5 grade-point average or higher for 2023-24.
 
Within The Southern Conference (SoCon), Chattanooga (3.57) and Western Carolina (3.622) were the only other schools to receive the academic recognition for the 2023-24 year.
 

1. Southern Illinois University - 3.856
2. Radford University – 3.811
3. Youngstown State University – 3.781
4. George Mason University – 3.78
5. Illinois State University – 3.779
6. Saint Louis University – 3.743
t-7. University of North Carolina Greensboro – 3.73
t-7. University of Alabama – 3.73
9. University of Evansville – 3.729
10. University of Northern Iowa – 3.723
 
The Spartans that earned All-America Scholar-Athlete status include:
Anna White*
Ashbee Standridge
Betsy Eatmon
Blayke Batten*
Brooklynn Maxwell
Chrissy Rabenold
Grace Loftin
Jessie Shipley
Jorde Chartrand
Kiley McQuillan
Maddie Spell
Madelyn McKinnon*
Maycin Brown
Nya South
Reese Byrd*
Rhyann Jones
Rylie Williams
Salem Ward*
Samantha Beck
Tori Dalehite
*earned a perfect 4.0 GPA
 
UNCG concluded the 2024 season with a 33-26 overall record and a 13-8 SoCon mark. For the 21^st time in program history, sixth-straight season and ninth time in Head Coach Janelle Breneman's 12 years at the helm, the Spartans won 30 or more games.