LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced its 2014 Scholar-Athlete class and four Southwestern student-athletes earned the honor.

Senior shortstop Karen Ramirez, sophomore catcher Christina Crandall, sophomore outfielder Tori Vasquez, sophomore infielder Caroline Young and first-year pitcher Nicole Gibbs all earned the distinction this season. 

Since the inception of the Southwestern softball program in 2009, 21 student-athletes have been named NFCA Scholar-Athletes. The five honorees this season matches the previous high of five in 2012. This is Ramirez's third Scholar-Athlete award while Crandall and Young both earn their second mention. 

Athletes who achieve a 3.5 or better GPA on a 4.0 scale are recognized as NFCA Scholar Athletes. The NFCA recognizes the top ten academic teams (by overall GPA) each fall through its Academic Top 10 program. To access the 2012-13 Top 10 Scholar Teams, please click here. For individual NFCA Scholar Athletes, please click here. The 2013-14 lists are not yet available at www.nfca.org.