Nov. 13, 2006

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Southeast Missouri State softball was recently selected among 95 NCAA Division I colleges and universities by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) to the organization's All-Academic Team for the 2005-06 academic year. The Redhawks placed 35th in the nation with a cumulative 3.26 grade point average and were one of three teams honored from the Ohio Valley Conference.

Southeast was second in the OVC behind Tennessee-Martin, who finished 26th in the nation with a 3.286 GPA. Tennessee Tech was the final OVC team as it finished 47t as it posted a 3.187 GPA in 2005-06. St. Bonaventure University claimed the top spot in the nation with a 3.95 cumulative GPA.

"This is an attribute to the continuing emphasis placed on academics within the Southeast softball program," stated head coach Lana Richmond, "This philosophy has funneled down to our athletes who take pride in their success in the classroom."

This prestigious honor has been awarded by the NFCA to softball teams across the nation since its inception in 1996. Southeast has consistently made this list every year since 1999 as the 10th-best academic team. The Redhawks' highest finish was second in 2002 and followed that with a third-place showing in 2002. Last year, Southeast was 19th with a 3.28 cumulative GPA.

The award is given to the top ten winners in seven categories based on their cumulative grade point average's, submitted by NFCA member head coaches. Teams were honored in five difference collegiate divisions (NCAA Division I, II and II, NAIA and NJCAA) and two high school divisions (weighted and non-weighted).

NCAA Division I - NFCA All-Academic Teams (Top 10)
1.  St. Bonaventure University (3.590)
2.  Drake University (3.510)
3.  Lehigh University (3.493)
4.  University of Detroit Mercy (3.481)
5.  University of South Carolina (3.463)
6.  Coastal Carolina University (3.457)
7.  Gardner-Webb University (3.430)
8.  Eastern Michigan University (3.419)
9.  Baylor University (3.409)
10. Delaware State University (3.400)
35. SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE (3.261)