SPRINGFIELD, MO -- The Missouri High School Fastpitch Coaches Association has recognized the Springfield Catholic softball team with the third-highest GPA in the state for the spring 2022 semester. The Irish varsity squad boasted a cumulative GPA of 3.82 which placed SCHS just off the pace of the top programs in Class 2 with Mount Vernon (3.87) and Clearwater (3.85) setting the pace.

Rounding out the top 10 Class 2 (largest) academic teams in the state were Forsyth (3.81), Steelville (3.77), Grandview (3.76), East Prairie (3.75), Scott City (3.75), Park Hills Central (3.72) and Licking (3.72).

In addition, ten Irish players earned individual Academic All-State honors by the MHSFCA. This standard is bestowed on varsity players with a cumulative 3.70 GPA or higher who are varsity starters or significant contributors. Springfield Catholic's honorees, listed alphabetically, are: Lauren Alviar, Katie Galligos, Larissa Holland, Hannah Lee, Shelby Kindhart, Caroline Nelson, Makenna Phipps, Madison Rues, Sarah Stokes and Emily Wieberg.

This season marks the second straight Academic All-State honors for Galligos, Holland, Kindhart, Rues, Stokes and Wieberg who each earned this elite distinction in 2021. Seniors Kindhart and Rues graduated with academic honors in May.