The 2002 Illinois State softball team was named the No. 12 All-Academic Team in NCAA Division I by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. The Redbirds compiled a team grade-point average of 3.290.
The top three NCAA Division I teams were Detroit Mercy (3.539), Southeast Missouri State (3.468) and St. Johns (3.424). Southern Illinois was the only Valley school to break into the top-10 by finishing fourth with a team GPA of 3.390.
The Redbirds also had 10 NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes, who were selected for carrying at least a 3.50 grade point average over the last academic year. The Redbirds that met these requirements included: Melissa Baker, Erin Carr, Amy Ehret, Mandy Garner, Corey Harris, Katie Newman, Abbie Scott, Katie Shifflet, Kassie Surratt and Cutie Taylor.
Head coach
Melinda Fischer was more than pleased with the teams academic performance.
It is very difficult to balance the responsibilities of being a student-athlete, Fischer said, who speaks from first-hand experience as a former Redbird student-athlete. I am very proud of what these girls have accomplished. I am priviledged to coach a terrific team of student-athletes.
The Redbirds open their spring season on the road at the Florida International Tournament, January 31 through February 2 in Miami, Fla.
