The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) has recognized 138 NCAA Division II student-athletes for their academic achievements during the 2026 softball season. The awards highlighted outstanding performances in the classroom, with 36 athletes named Scholar-Athletes and 17 earning the prestigious Academic Excellence award. Notably, eight players achieved all three honors, showcasing their exceptional academic prowess. Exempt from this year's awards are first-year student-athletes and first-year transfers, with a separate announcement for newcomers expected at the end of June.

By the Numbers
  • 138 student-athletes earned academic honors during the 2026 season.
  • 36 were named MIAA Scholar-Athletes.
  • 17 received the Academic Excellence award for maintaining a GPA of 4.00 or better.
Yes, But

While the academic achievements are commendable, the exclusion of first-year athletes means a segment of the student-athlete population remains unrecognized in this analysis, potentially undervaluing their contributions.

State of Play
  • The MIAA recognized a total of 138 athletes, which included those who met GPA requirements and had competing status.
  • Separate academic honors for new student-athletes will be announced by the end of June.
What's Next

Future announcements will likely highlight the academic performance of the incoming freshman and transfer athletes, further showcasing the MIAA's commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

Bottom Line

The MIAA's emphasis on academic achievements reflects the league's commitment to balancing athletics with academic success, reminding us that accomplishments in the classroom can be just as significant as those in competition.