Abernathy, Baalman & Kowalik Voted CoSIDA Academic All-District
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) voted three Kentucky Softball players as Academic All-District this week, placing them on the final ballot for Academic All-America. Juniors Renee Abernathy and Kayla Kowalik in addition to senior pitcher Grace Baalman were voted second team CoSIDA Academic All-District, all for the first time in their respective careers.
Of the 11-person team in the second district, no other team in district two had more than one player represented with the exception of UK, who had three.
The winners of CoSIDA Academic All-America honors will be announced by the organization later this month when the 11 winners from all eight districts are put on a final ballot.
Renee Abernathy
Springfield, Ill., Jr. – OF
- Hit .357 on the season with 13 HR and 48 RBI
- Had two home runs in the NCAA Super Regionals
- 24 extra-base hits, Third Team NFCA All-Region
- 4.0 GPA
Grace Baalman
Hardin, Ill., Sr. – P/DP
- 11 wins in the circle as a pitcher this season, also appeared in 29 games
- NCAA Lexington-Regional clinching win in the circle with a shutout of Notre Dame in game seven
- Had five HR’s and 18 RBI at the plate, both career bests
- 3.901 GPA
Kayla Kowalik
New Braunfels, Texas, Jr. – C/OF
- Led the NCAA in batting average with a .495 mark
- NFCA First Team All-America
- Second Team All-SEC
- 3.398 GPA
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