MONTICELLO – The University of Arkansas at Monticello softball team finished the 2008-09 academic year ranked No. 2 in the NCAA Division II with a 3.579 combined grade point average.
 
The news was released in the September 2009 edition of Fastpitch Delivery, the official newsletter for the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA).
 
The only institution in the NCAA Division II to sport a better academic standing than UAM was Ouachita Baptist University, also a member of the Gulf South Conference, finishing the year with a 3.663 team GPA. OBU had the highest team GPA overall, regardless of division, while UAM ranked third overall, behind Robert Morris University of the NCAA Division I, which had a 3.610 GPA.
 
Following OBU and UAM in the Top 10 of Division II are Barry University (3.555), Grand Valley State University (3.525), Rockhurst University (3.520), Mercyhurst College (3.432), Gannon University (3.425), Augustana College (3.420), Anderson University (3.416) and Adelphi University (3.414).
 
The NFCA also released its list of Scholar Athletes, a title given to those who had a 3.5 GPA or better. UAM had 10 players earn the title and they are listed below.
- Katie Bowman (Decatur, Ark.)
- Heather Greer (Hollandale, Miss.)
- Emilie Hobbs (Nacogdoches, Texas)
- Amy Mardis (Burnet, Texas)
- Amanda Nordberg (San Antonio, Texas)
- Lindsey Randall (Keithville, La.)
- Becca Sustaire (Hallsville, Texas)
- Kayla Temple (Downsville, La.)
- Becca Tipton (Dermott, Ark.)
- Meagan Wilson (Longview, Texas)

“Being excellent in the classroom is something our softball team takes pride in,” said head coach Alvy Early. “These young ladies know that softball will only last so long and they have to be prepared for what’s waiting on them once they leave the field. I am very proud of the recognition they have given this institution and our softball team both on and off the field.”
 
The softball team will be honored for their achievement at halftime of this Saturday’s home football game against Ouachita Baptist. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.