Record Nine OU Softball Players Earn Academic All-Big 12 Honors

A school record nine members of the Oklahoma softball team have earned Academic All-Big 12 honors, the conference announced Thursday. The figure is the second most among Big 12 schools this season and surpasses the previous program record of eight honorees in 2013.

The Sooners set another school record by placing seven student-athletes on the first team. That figure broke the school record of six set in 2005.

Leading the way on the first team were sophomores Paige Parker (Arts & Sciences - Planned Program) and Lea Wodach (Health & Exercise Science), who each posted 4.00 grade point averages.

Parker was also named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District team.

Seniors Erin Miller (Visual Communication) and Kelsey Stevens (Marketing) were named to the first team for the second straight season while fellow senior Kady Self (Health & Exercise Science) was named to the first team for the second time in her career after also earning the distinction in 2014.

First-time honorees were senior Tori Nirschl (Administrative Leadership) and sophomore Nicole Pendley (Arts & Sciences - Planned Program).

The Sooners were represented on the second team by senior Paris Townsend (Arts & Sciences - Planned Program) and sophomore Kelsey Arnold (Health & Exercise Science). It was the first award for each in their respective careers.

First-team members consist of those who have maintained a 3.20 or better GPA while the second team selections hold a 3.00 to 3.19 GPA.

To qualify for conference academic accolades, student-athletes must maintain a 3.00 GPA or higher either cumulative or the two previous semesters and must have participated in 60 percent of their team’s scheduled contests.

Freshmen and transfers are not eligible in their first year of academic residence. Senior student-athletes who have participated for a minimum of two years and meet all the criteria except percent of participation are also eligible.