SPRINGFIELD, MO -- The Missouri High School Fastpitch Coaches Association has recognized the Springfield Catholic softball team with the highest GPA in the state for the spring 2023 season. The Irish varsity squad boasted a cumulative GPA of 3.91 which placed SCHS ahead of every program in the state.

Rounding out the top 10 academic programs in the state for Class 2 (largest) were Salem (3.89), East Prairie (3.86), Mt. Vernon (3.84), Bourbon (3.79), Forsyth (3.79), Licking (3.71), Diamond (3.70), Potosi (3.69) and Clearwater (3.65). Sedalia Sacred Heart (3.90) had the highest GPA in Class 1 as the only other Catholic school on this season's list.

Additionally, 11 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: Katie Galligos, Larissa Holland, Jocee Luce, Caroline Nelson, Makenna Phipps, Carleigh Russell, Sam Schneider, Jalyn Smith, Sarah Stokes, Taryn Stuhlsatz, and Emily Wieberg.

This season marks the third straight Academic All-State honors for Galligos, Holland, Stokes and Wieberg and the second for Nelson and Phipps. Seniors Holland and Wieberg graduated with academic honors in May.