Oct. 12, 2009
LEXINGTON, Ky. – While charting the school’s first-ever NCAA tournament appearance the Kentucky softball team achieved greatness in the classroom as well in 2009. Kentucky ranked among the top-50 programs among team grade point averages for the 2009 year it was announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
The Wildcats combined for a 3.261 team grade point average in 2009 which ranks 47th overall in the country. Only three other Southeastern Conference schools were rated higher than the Blue and White.
Florida was fifth, Alabama 10th and South Carolina 39th in the national standings. Mississippi State fell just out of the top-50 finishing 51st.
“I am very impressed with our team for their commitment towards becoming complete student-athletes,” said head coach Rachel Lawson. “I would also like to thank Amy Craiglow for her dedication to the softball program. Her guidance is invaluable as our team takes steps towards securing careers that surpass our tenure on the softball diamond.”
Seven UK veterans were named to the SEC Spring’s Academic Honor Roll. Meagan Aull, Samantha DeMartine, Molly Johnson, Destinee Mordecai, Annie Rowlands, Natalie Smith and Megan Yocke all earned post-season academic honors from the SEC. Additionally, six freshmen claimed SEC Freshman Honor Roll distinctions. Those members were: Jessica Adkins, Macy Allen, Chanda Bell, Ashleigh Gustafson, Kristen O’Haver and Rachel Riley.
To be eligible, each student-athlete must have: 1) have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above at the nominating institution; 2) be on scholarship or a letter winner; 3) have completed 24 semester hours of non-remedial credit at the nominating institution; and 4) have been a member of the varsity team for the sport’s entire NCAA Championship segment.
The 2009 Kentucky softball team led by Lawson made its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament in school history while charting the biggest turnaround in conference play in the grueling Southeastern Conference. The team also notched the second most wins in school history (34), while defeating three ranked opponents in that stretch. Johnson was named the school’s first-ever All-American.
Follow along with the UK softball program all season long at UKathletics.com.
