LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The JWU (Providence) softball team finished the 2026 campaign with the fourth-highest grade point average (GPA) amongst all NCAA Division III institutions during the 2025-26 academic year at 3.782, which was announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) in conjunction with Easton.

The Wildcats saw 15 student-athletes named to the Conference of New England (CNE) Academic All-Conference Team, which recognizes student-athletes who maintain a 3.3 GPA and have completed second-year academic status: Maddie Alexander, Gabby Bellamore, Chloe Brunelle, Harper Ellis, Jessica Forneiro, Brianna Ghilardi, Mady Lyons, Amanda Madigan, Olivia Mason, Abby Nersesian, Macy Pagano, Morgan Pelletier, Jillian Reed, Jadyn Torres, Madi Wong.

The rankings and honors recognize the academic prowess of softball teams across the Association's membership categories. NCAA Division I led the way with 2,637 student-athletes earning a 3.5 grade-point average or higher for 2025-26. NCAA Division III followed with 2,493 and NCAA Division II with 1,869. Junior colleges and NAIA came in with 1,190 and 655 student-athletes respectively. Seven student-athletes from Bay Path University earned recognition in the Other Four-Year category.

Team GPAs and scholar-athletes are submitted by member head coaches. High School team GPA winners and scholar-athletes will be announced on Sept. 9.

Top-10 NCAA Division III Teams
1. Bates College – 3.86; 2. University of Hartford – 3.818; 3. Pomona-Pitzer Colleges – 3.799; 4. JWU (Providence) – 3.782; 5. Wheaton (MA) – 3.771; 6. Trine University – 3.755; 7. Stevens Institute of Technology – 3.749; 8. Neumann University – 3.744; 9. Springfield College – 3.734; 10. Lancaster Bible College – 3.73.