Longwood University’s Softball Stars Shine Academically: Five Players Earn All-District Honors
Farmville, Va. – Longwood University is celebrating a significant achievement as five of its softball players have been named to the 2025 Academic All-District® NCAA Division I Softball Team, an honor bestowed by the College Sports Communicators. The spotlight shines brightly on thes athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom.
Earning this prestigious recognition are senior right-handed pitcher Is’ron Burton,junior righties Maggie Chapin and Morgan Strickland,sophomore infielder Naleya Bridges,and sophomore catcher Maggie Hiatt.Their dedication and hard work have paid off, showcasing the true spirit of student-athletes.
Academic Excellence on the diamond
These Longwood Lancers have demonstrated that success in collegiate softball goes hand-in-hand with academic prowess. Each player has maintained remarkable GPAs while making significant contributions to their team.
- Is’ron Burton graduated with a 3.702 GPA in computer science, earning All-Big South Second Team honors.
- Maggie Chapin boasts a 3.963 GPA in biology and was the Lancers’ representative on the Big South All-Academic Team.
- Morgan Strickland, an elementary education major, holds a 3.55 GPA and made a notable impact in her first season.
- Naleya Bridges, with a 3.878 GPA in kinesiology, started 48 games at shortstop and demonstrated power at the plate.
- Maggie hiatt carries a 3.887 GPA in kinesiology and was a key contributor with her offensive capabilities.
Individual Highlights and achievements
Each player brought unique skills and accomplishments to the Longwood softball programme this season.
Burton showcased her pitching talent with a 5-5 record and a 2.49 ERA, including a shutout victory against NC State. Chapin led the team with 107 innings pitched. Strickland made 25 appearances in the circle,earning one save. Bridges had a week where she hit four home runs. Hiatt had a two-homer game against Radford.
Eligibility and Advancement
To qualify for the CSC Academic All-District® consideration, student-athletes need a GPA of 3.50 or above and must be a starter or key contributor. these outstanding Lancers now move forward to the prestigious College Sports Communicators Academic All-America® ballot.
The Academic All-America® program has been celebrating the nation’s top student-athletes since 1952,recognizing their achievements in sports and academics across NCAA Divisions I,II,III,and NAIA.
Longwood secured the second seed in the Big South tournament this year, finishing with an overall record of 21-32.
Statistical Overview
| Player | GPA | Major | Key Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is’ron burton | 3.702 | computer Science | 2.49 ERA, 6 Complete Games |
| Maggie Chapin | 3.963 | Biology | 107 Innings Pitched |
| Morgan Strickland | 3.55 | Elementary Education | 4.29 ERA, 1 Save |
| Naleya Bridges | 3.878 | Kinesiology | 6 Home Runs |
| Maggie Hiatt | 3.887 | Kinesiology | 8 Home Runs, 27 RBIs |
Context & Evergreen Insights
The College Sports Communicators Academic All-America® program is a testament to the dedication and hard work of collegiate athletes who balance rigorous academic schedules with the demands of competitive sports. These awards highlight the importance of academic achievement in addition to athletic performance.
In recent years,there has been an increased emphasis on supporting student-athletes academically,with universities providing resources such as tutoring,academic advising,and time management workshops. This support aims to ensure that athletes can excel both in their sports and their studies.
frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the Academic All-District® Softball Team?
- A: The Academic All-District® Softball Team recognizes top student-athletes for their performance in athletics and academics.
- Q: Who selects the Academic All-District® Softball Team?
- A: The College Sports Communicators (CSC) selects the Academic All-District® Softball Team members.
- Q: What GPA is required to be nominated for Academic All-district®?
- A: A student-athlete must have a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale to be eligible.
- Q: Which Longwood softball players received Academic All-District® honors?
- A: Is’ron Burton, Maggie Chapin, Morgan strickland, Naleya Bridges, and Maggie Hiatt from Longwood University received the honors.
- Q: What happens after a player is named to the Academic All-District® team?
- A: The players advance to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America® ballot for further consideration.
What are your thoughts on the balance between academics and athletics for college athletes? Which of these players’ achievements inspires you the most?
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