Missouri Southern softball players Bailey Dillon and Carsen Tinkler have been named to the 2026 Academic All-America team, marking a significant achievement for the program. Both made the Second Team, becoming the first selections since 2018. Dillon, a sophomore majoring in Exercise Science, holds a 3.96 GPA, while Tinkler, a senior in Marketing and Finance, graduated with a 4.0 GPA and now pursues a master's degree in Applied Data Analytics. Tinkler stands out as the only Division II selection with a perfect GPA at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The honor highlights their exceptional performance both on the field and in the classroom.

By the Numbers
  • Bailey Dillon has a .419 batting average, ranking sixth in MIAA, with 49 stolen bases, a program record.
  • Carsen Tinkler has a .366 batting average and was awarded the MIAA "A Game" Scholar-Athlete for Softball.
State of Play
  • Both players have made significant contributions to the MSSU softball program, with Dillon leading in several offensive metrics.
  • Tinkler's academic accomplishments set her apart and she was recognized as having the top GPA in the MIAA.
What's Next

The focus for Dillon will be continuing her athletic performance as a key player, while Tinkler aims to complete her master's program successfully. Both athletes have strengthened MSSU's reputation academically and athletically, potentially leading to increased recruitment opportunities for future talent. Their achievements might inspire younger players in the program to excel in both areas.

Bottom Line

The recognition of Bailey Dillon and Carsen Tinkler as Academic All-America selections reflects the strength of Missouri Southern's athletic and academic programs. Their exemplary achievements underline the importance of balancing high-level athletics with academic excellence and could lead to a new standard for future Lions' athletes.