The William Jewell College softball team achieved a notable accomplishment by ranking No. 23 in NCAA Division II with a 3.682 GPA for the 2025-26 academic year. In addition, 13 players were honored as NFCA Scholar-Athletes, highlighting the program's commitment to academic excellence. Jewell was among 10 teams from the Great Lakes Valley Conference to attain a spot on the Team GPA list, trailing only Rockhurst University. This recognition underscores the dedication of the student-athletes to their academic pursuits, alongside their athletic commitments.

By the Numbers
  • Team GPA: 3.682, ranking 23rd in NCAA Division II.
  • 13 Jewell student-athletes recognized as NFCA Scholar-Athletes.
  • Overall, 8,850 collegiate athletes earned Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors.
State of Play
  • The 2025-26 academic year saw a total of 1,869 NCAA Division II athletes achieving a 3.5 GPA or higher.
  • Jewell's GPA ranks second in the Great Lakes Valley Conference behind Rockhurst University (3.743).
What's Next

Continued focus on maintaining and improving academic performance could help Jewell's softball program rise in future GPA rankings, potentially attracting more talented student-athletes. The successful recognition may also foster a stronger culture of academic achievement within the program.

Bottom Line

William Jewell's achievement highlights the importance of balancing academic and athletic endeavors, demonstrating that commitment to both can yield top-tier recognition. This balance could enhance the program's reputation and serve as a model for other collegiate teams.