The Central College softball team ranked among the leaders again in the classroom as 10 players were named Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes.
That matches the most of any American Rivers Conference school. The perennially powerful Dutch program has a tradition of academic achievement under Hall of Fame coach George Wares, ranking in the top 20 in Division III seven times, including five top-10 academic finishes since 2010. Central had 14 honorees last year. The award recognizes those student-athletes who have posted a 3.50 grade point average or higher in the previous academic year.
Central, which has made a record 29 NCAA Division III tournament appearances with four national championships, has had players receive NFCA Scholar-Athlete honors 99 times since 2010. Graduated left fielder Tabitha Taylor was cited for the fourth time while outfielder Makenzie Matt and catcher Kylie Olson were honored for the third time. Center fielder Sara Tallman of Pella, graduate Kaci Braner , pitcher Mariah Fritz and catcher/first baseman Sarah Sponder became two-time honorees.