WILMINGTON, N.C. - Five members of the UNC Wilmington softball team were recently recognized by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association for their success in the classroom as they were named NFCA Scholar-Athletes.  

Senior Morgan Walters, juniors Allison Lanouette and Samantha Lisowsky and sophomores Katie Houmard and Brittany Pierce were all recognized for having posted a 3.5 GPA or higher during the 2008-09 academic year. 

"We are proud of the accomplishments that these individual have made in the classroom," said UNCW Head Coach Kelly Van Houten. "Our primary goal is for our players to be successful in the classroom and graduate because it is their academic success that will serve them long after their playing days are complete."

In addition to the individual awards, the Seahawks combined to post a 3.15 grade point average, making them one of just 87 NCAA Division I programs to record a GPA of 3.1 or higher last season.

The Seahawks open the 2009-10 season Feb. 11 with a 4 p.m. doubleheader against long-time rival Campbell.