Five College of Saint Benedict softball players have earned honors on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team for their combined athletic and academic performance. Players Bryn Ruhberg, Cat Smetana, Ellie Peterson, Olivia Wallace, and Lauren Freeberg were recognized, with several achieving multiple honors throughout their careers. The program highlights athletes with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, emphasizing the balance between academics and athletics. The Bennies finished their season with a stellar 36-11 record and captured the MIAC regular-season championship. This marks the fourth consecutive year that CSB softball has had at least three Academic All-District honorees.

By the Numbers
  • CSB softball finished the 2026 season with a 36-11 overall record.
  • The team achieved a 21-1 mark in conference play, winning their fifth MIAC regular-season championship.
Yes, But

While the accolades are commendable, a disappointing end to the season occurred when the team fell to Simpson College in the NCAA Regional championship game, which may overshadow their achievements.

State of Play
  • The Bennies have shown consistent academic and athletic performance with multiple players achieving Academic All-District honors.
  • Peterson and Smetana are among the notable athletes graduating with four years of All-MIAC recognition.
What's Next

The program will look to build on this season's success and maintain academic excellence, as they anticipate the next recruitment cycle to strengthen their roster for future challenges.

Bottom Line

The continuous recognition of CSB softball players reflects a strong commitment to both academics and athletics, setting a high standard for future teams while striving for postseason success.