The Ottawa University softball team showcased stellar academic performance in the 2025-26 academic year, securing a spot at No. 14 in the Easton/NFCA Team GPA rankings and having 19 players recognized as Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes. To qualify for the Scholar-Athlete honors, student-athletes must achieve a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Collectively, 8,850 student-athletes across collegiate divisions earned similar accolades this year.

By the Numbers
  • Ottawa finished No. 14 in the NAIA in Team GPA rankings.
  • 19 players were recognized as Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athletes for the Braves.
Yes, But

Despite the remarkable achievements, the disparity in recognition across divisions raises questions about the overall accessibility of academic honors among different collegiate levels.

State of Play
  • A total of 655 NAIA student-athletes received Easton/NFCA Scholar-Athlete recognition.
  • NCAA Division I had the highest number of honorees with 2,637 recognized scholars.
What's Next

The Ottawa softball team will likely aim to maintain its academic excellence in the upcoming year, potentially increasing its ranking and number of scholar-athlete honorees as they continue to prioritize both sports and academics.

Bottom Line

The Ottawa University softball team's success underscores the importance of academic dedication alongside athletic performance, serving as a powerful reminder of the benefits of balancing both pursuits.