Creighton Softball Shines Academically: 11 Players Named Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes
OMAHA, Neb. – In an impressive display of athletic excellence combined with academic achievement, the Creighton softball team celebrated 11 remarkable players being honored as 2024-25 Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes. This prestigious recognition was announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association on August 8.
Celebrating Academic Excellence in Softball
The honored Bluejays include:
- Ella Dalton
- Lynn Davis
- Annika Dugenske
- Mazie Flud
- Kenzie Nakasawa
- Brooklyn Patchen
- Erika Perez
- Hannah Poole
- Kenzie Schopfer
- Sydra Seville
- Elliot Smith
Achieving this recognition requires earning a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, making it a true testament to the hard work and dedication of these student-athletes.
A Growing Legacy of Academic Achievement
In total, 9,199 student-athletes across NCAA DI, DII, DIII, NAIA, and JUCO programs received the Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors for the 2024-25 academic year, reflecting a stunning increase of over 1,000 from the previous year. This surge highlights an encouraging trend in the realm of collegiate athletics, where academic success is being increasingly celebrated alongside athletic prowess.
Team Success Beyond Individual Honors
The Bluejays didn’t just shine individually; they collectively made their mark as well. The team earned a team academic award after achieving an impressive 3.40 GPA during the 2024-25 academic year. Notably, Erika Perez, Hannah Poole, and Kenzie Schopfer each recorded a perfect 4.0 GPA during the fall semester, showcasing the blend of athleticism and intelligence within the team.
Ella Dalton and Sydra Seville have now achieved their third consecutive Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete award, a feat that speaks volumes about their consistent performance both in the classroom and on the field. Additionally, Lynn Davis, Brooklyn Patchen, Kenzie Schopfer, and Elliot Smith were honored for their second consecutive year, while Annika Dugenske, Mazie Flud, Kenzie Nakasawa, Erika Perez, and Hannah Poole celebrated their first Scholar-Athlete award at Creighton.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead
The Creighton softball team’s achievement is more than just a collection of awards; it represents a commitment to excellence in both sports and academics. As the Bluejays continue to excel, they set a vital example for future generations of student-athletes, proving that hard work, both on the field and in the classroom, pays off.
For more information on upcoming Creighton softball events and player achievements, check out the official Creighton Athletics website.
This dedication to the dual pursuits of sports and academics positions the Bluejays as not only strong competitors but also as role models in the collegiate athletic community.