LOUISVILLE, Ky. --- The Tusculum University softball team had 13 student-athletes named 2022-23 Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes, the Association announced on Tuesday (Aug. 1) afternoon. The Pioneers were among nearly 8,300 student-athletes that earned the honor, including 1,790 across Division II.

The rankings and honors recognize the academic prowess of softball teams across the Association's membership, ranging from high schools to NCAA Division I institutions. Student-athletes earning a 3.50 GPA or higher for 2022-23 are eligible for the individual award, while teams must have a collective grade-point average of 3.00 to be named.

Tusculum was among four South Atlantic Conference schools to earn the team honor, joined by Carson-Newman, Coker, and Wingate. The Pioneers were 33rd nationally with a 3.60 cumulative GPA, second-highest in the SAC.

Across the individual list, Coker led the way with 14 student-athletes, followed by Tusculum and Carson-Newman with 13. Lincoln Memorial also reached double-digits (11), Wingate tallied nine, while both Anderson and UVA Wise collected seven apiece.

Representing Tusculum as All-America Scholar-Athletes were Hailey Berglof, Makayla Bush, Kylie Darrow, Katelynn Hodges, Hannah Hughes, Sammy Jimenez, Italia Kyle, Hayley Lazo, Kallyn Newport, Keylon Reynolds, Emily Sappington, Claire Smeltzer, and Zoe Wills.

Tusculum finished the 2023 season with a 24-25 (9-15 SAC) mark.