Eight Valpo Softball players were honored on Monday for their work in the classroom during the 2021-22 academic year, as the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) announced its annual list of Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honorees.

All five of Valpo’s seniors from last season earned the academic accolade — Kate Beckemeyer, Taylor Herschbach, Peyton Moeder, Taylor Tonoian and Jaina Westphal. Juniors Lauren Kehlenbrink and Ryan Milkowski and sophomore Emily Crompton joined the aforementioned quintet of seniors in picking up the award as well.

The NFCA awards All-America Scholar-Athlete status to student-athletes who post a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or better for the academic year.