Nine Athletes & Two Teams Make NJCAA All-Academic Honors List
Posted July 25, 2023 at 10:00 amThe National Junior College Athletic Association recently announced its 2022-23 All-Academic Teams, recognizing student-athletes from across the country for their dedication in the classroom.
A total of 10,267 student-athletes have been honored for achieving a GPA above 3.60, including nine from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, with two reaching the mark in multiple sports. Two athletic teams from the College were also named an NJCAA Academic Team of the Year out of the 1,078 honored.
Student-athletes who recorded a 4.0 GPA were named to the First Team. Second Team honors were given for a GPA between 3.80 and 3.99, while Third Team sits between 3.60 and 3.79. Teams that earned a 3.0 Combined GPA or higher were named to their respective list. The honorees from Penn Highlands include:
First Team
- Madison Bender (Freshman – Softball)
- Jenna Serafin (Freshman – Softball)
Second Team
- Tatum Coyle (Freshman – Softball)
- Julia Podrasky (Sophomore – Softball)
Third Team
- Emily Bittner (Sophomore – Volleyball)
- Kylee Fabo (Sophomore – Softball and Volleyball)
- Maciah Holsopple (Sophomore – Softball and Volleyball)
- Madison Wirfel (Sophomore – Softball)
- Joziah Wyatt-Taylor (Freshman – Men’s Basketball)
Team Awards
- Softball (3.31 Combined GPA)
- Volleyball (3.07 Combined GPA)
“I am so proud of these student-athletes who not only excel in their sports, but who juggle commuting to class, jobs, practices, and contests only to achieve success in the most important aspect of a student-athlete, the classroom,” stated Sue Brugh, Director of Student Activities & Athletics. “These students are amazing and an asset to the college who will go out and do great things in their communities.”
The Black Bear softball team was named an NJCAA Academic Team of the Year for the second time after having just two seasons of competition.
Penn Highlands has now had a total of 74 student-athletes earn NJCAA All-Academic honors since athletics were reinstated at the College in 2010.