LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Jacksonville University softball put the student in student-athlete during the 2024-2025 school year.

On Thursday, Easton and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association released its Top 10 GPAs across all college divisions for its yearly awards list. The Dolphin softball program ranked fifth overall among all Division 1 schools. 

"This is a testament to the work ethic of this team and their commitment to be the best version of themselves on and off the field," head coach Erica Ayers said.

"Jacksonville University and our athletic department are filled with talented people who provide excellent resources and are invested in the all-around success of our program. Sophie Brandimarte, our very talented academic advisor, is a prime example."

After posting a program-best 3.767 year-long GPA, the Dolphins didn't only achieve one of the best GPAs among D1 schools but planted themselves tied for the 22nd highest GPA in the country among four-year colleges and universities. 

Led in part by ASUN All-Academic honorees Gabby Baylog (4.00 as a graduate in applied business analytics) and Alison Carter (4.00 in accounting during senior year), Jacksonville softball added to its overall rich history of overall academic success by also having 19 student-athletes named to the NFCA Scholar Athlete Awards list.

Baylog, Carter, Alayna Gaddy, Ashlee Harwood, Averi Harcus, Delcie Swift, Emily Bellomo, Hailey Strunk, Haley Fox, Jacy Harrelson, Jazz Jones, Jordan White, Karson Johnson, Lindsey Chadwick, Madison Bratek, Raygan Dixon, Reese Wells, Skylar Waggoner and Tatum McCool were all honored for maintaining a 3.5 or better GPA on a 4.0 scale throughout the school year. The recognition underscores Jacksonville University's commitment to the holistic student-athlete approach and dedication to academic success. The 19 honorees also set a new program-record for JU for most NFCA Scholar Athletes in one year, overtaking the 2023-2024 season's number of 14.

In program history, JU softball has two ESPN The Magazine Academic All-Americans, 30 Academic All-ASUN honorees, an ASUN Presidential Scholar, an ASUN Scholar-Athlete of the Year and has had players honored 10 times by the NFCA for their Scholar Athlete Awards list.

Having an Easton/NFCA Top 10 GPA is a first for the program.

"Fifth in the country is a huge accomplishment," Ayers said. "I want this team to know that every single person supporting this program is proud of you and loves working with you every single day."   

To view the full Top 10 GPA list, click HERE. To view the NFCA Scholar Athlete Award list, click HERE.