LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Over 8,800 student-athletes were named 2021 Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes, the Association announced on Tuesday afternoon. With the highest total in Association history, it marked the second consecutive year (2018-19) achieving the 8,000-plus plateau.
The Bellevue University softball team had 14 individuals recognized by the Association as All-America Scholar-Athletes. The program as a whole finished ranked No. 12 in the Team GPA Standings with a combined 3.513 GPA.
Individuals earning Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors were; Ellie Bliemeister, Maricela Egan, Savannah Gunn, Sydni Haugaard, Lauren Jurek, Catherine Kempf, Madison Machacek, Emily Mendick, Alyssa Morbach, Allison O'Driscoll, Amanda Placzek, Emily Rochford, Lauren Russell, and Ashley Young.
The team rankings and individual honors are submitted by member head coaches and recognize the academic prowess of softball teams across the Association's membership categories.
NCAA Division III led the way with 2,375 student-athletes earning a 3.5 grade-point average or higher for 2020-21. NCAA Division I and Division II followed with 1,982 and 1,727 honorees. High School weighted and High School unweighted earned 831 and 679 distinctions. NAIA and two-year programs each amassed 643 and 594 recipients, respectively.
The Bruins finished the 2021 season with a 36-20 overall record, including going 21-7 in NSAA play. BU set a new program record for home runs in a season with 77 and led the NAIA with 1.38 home runs per game.
