The National Fastpitch Coaches Association released their Easton/NFCA All America Scholar-Athlete Honors along with their Easton Top 10 GPAs for its collegiate divisions for the 2022-23 academic year. Siena Heights had 18 student-athletes recognized along with their team placing 3rd in the NAIA.
The NAIA saw 944 student-athletes recognized and had three Michigan schools at the top of their top ten list. The Saints checked in with a 3.695 team GPA, trailing Spring Arbor University (3.7641) and Cornerstone University (3.702) for their 3rd place ranking. The University of St. Mary, Briar Cliff University, Oregon Institute of Technology, Avila University, Evangel University, Bellevue University, and Central Methodist University rounded out the top ten NAIA schools.
In order to qualify for the award, a student-athlete must earn a 3.5 GPA or better for the academic year. The Saints who earned the award were seniors Maddie Herrera (1st time), Alexis Hirst (3rd time), Brenna Nurenberg (3rd time), Lyndsey Pena (3rd time), and Sam Spicer (2nd time). Juniors Julia Hogston (3rd time) and Kat Moreau (2nd time) were joined by sophomores Courtnee Chappetta (2nd time), Lauren Dioszegi (2nd time), Taylor Eppard (2nd time), Emma Marshall (2nd time), and Shyann Truax (2nd time). Freshmen Faith Breinager, Carly Grassley, Erin Groom, Riley Hoover, Aila Johnson, and Ellie Thelen earned the award for the first time. Hirst, Nurenberg, Pena, Hogston, Chappetta, Dioszegi, Eppard, Marshall, and Truax all have now earned the award every year they have been eligible to. The award was not recognized in the 2019-2020 academic year that was interrupted by COVID.
For the NFCA release, click HERE
For the complete list of NAIA Scholar Athletes, click HERE
