NFCA Honors Western Carolina Catamount Softball Team and Players for Academic Performance

CULLOWHEE, N.C. – Western Carolina University softball was named a 2013-14 National Fast Pitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Academic Team and 10 members of the team were named 2013-14 NFCA All-America Scholar Athletes as announced by the NFCA on Thursday.

The Catamounts ranked 20th overall with a team GPA of 3.497. The 20th place ranking is a significant jump for WCU from the 2012-13 season when the club was ranked 43rd. Western Carolina is also the highest ranking Southern Conference member on the list.

Lexi Ross, a freshman in the 2013-14 season, led the team with a 4.00 GPA. Incoming junior Taylor Sigmon, who ended the 2014 season fourth in the nation in saves (6), ranked second of the 10 honorees with a 3.97 GPA. Others honored include: Jordan Garrett (3.57), Amelia Griffin (3.63), Kara Salvo (3.84), Makenzi McAteer (3.77), Heather Chastain (3.59), Courtney Buchanan (3.71), Whitney Haywood (3.60) and Amber Kimrey (3.44).

Western Carolina completes the fall portion of its games this weekend when it hosts Walters State in a 2 p.m. doubleheader Saturday at the Catamount Athletic Complex.

Six Softball Bears Honored as NFCA All-American Scholar-Athletes

MACON, Ga. - The National Fastpitch Coaches Association recently announced 2013-14 NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete recipients. Six members of the 2014 Mercer Bears softball team received recognition.

In order to receive NFCA All-American status, athletes must hold a G.P.A of 3.5 or higher throughout the academic calendar.

2014 graduate Mckenzie Woody, along with seniors Molly Garmany, Victoria Hugghins, junior Natalie Shiver, and sophomores Anna O'Neill and Taylor Miller received the acknowledgment.

In addition to these individual achievements, Mercer held a 3.31 G.P.A as a team during the 2013-14 academic year.