Aug. 12—LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Bemidji State softball team finished the 2026 season tied for ninth in the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Top Team GPA honors.
Of 8,852 collegiate student-athletes listed, 16 came from Bemidji State's roster. The Beavers are the only Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference program to appear on the top 10 list.
The rankings and honors recognize the academic prowess of softball teams across the Association's membership categories. NCAA Division I led the way with 2,637 student-athletes earning a 3.5 grade-point average or higher for 2025-26. NCAA Division III followed with 2,493 and NCAA Division II with 1,869. Junior colleges and NAIA came in with 1,190 and 655 student-athletes, respectively. Seven student-athletes from Bay Path University earned recognition in the Other Four-Year category.
Team GPAs and scholar-athletes are submitted by member head coaches.
Individual Scholar-Athletes
Aubrey Aukerman
Morgan Benedict
Maddie Kielsmeier
Jackie Larsen
Danica Sarff
Jenna Burd
Alayna DeGraef
Keira Lucero
Calleigh Richards
Kassandra Balabon
Lauren Beissel
Grace Duwenhoegger
Sydney Klusman
Brianna Ness
Maddie Schwab
Alexa Skogquist
Top-10 Teams
1. Lincoln Memorial University — 3.853
2. Missouri Southern State University — 3.81
3. Mansfield University — 3.79
4. Black Hills State University — 3.758
5. Wayne State University — 3.757
6. Saint Leo University — 3.744
7. Rockhurst University — 3.743
8. Indiana University of Pennsylvania — 3.742
t9. American International College — 3.74
t9. Bemidji State University — 3.74
t9. Oklahoma Baptist University — 3.74
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