Softball earns academic awards from NFCA

ORANGE, Calif. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association recognized the Chapman University softball team and 17 of its student-athletes for academic achievement.

Chapman had 17 student-athletes earn the status of NFC Schoalr-Athletes for finishing the school year with a 3.5 GPA or better. In total, the NFCA recognized over 8,000 collegiate softball players from all levels of the college softball.

Honorees from Chapman include:
Taylor Cruz
Christina Denlinger
Izzy Epstein
Emily Hayes
Shea Higa
Jillian Kelly
KK Kitabayashi
Summer Lake
Morgan Lanstinger
Anjali Lauwers
Simi Lauwers
Bella Leach
Rose Malen
Mia Reyes
Gracie Rose
Ilianna Serna
Jordan Stinnett

As a team, the Panthers posted a superb 3.58 GPA to earn recognition on the NFCA's team ranking. Chapman came in at 49th in Division III.

Celebrating 40 years in 2023, the NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. Known for its highly-regarded Awards Program, the NFCA also educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from NFCA podcasts to a comprehensive drills database, to in-person events and a National Convention.

By Steven Olveda
Sports Information Director