Seven Bears Named NFCA DIII Scholar-Athletes

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — The National Fastpitch Coaches' Association (NFCA) released their list of All-America Scholar-Athletes for the 2016-2017 academic year on Tuesday with seven St. Joseph's College (Brooklyn) softball student-athletes earning the distinction — Kristin Ferrigno, Maria Gentile, Samantha Rossi, Samantha Simon, Megan Finnerty, Paige Csikortos, and Victoria Mahoney. 

"I am extremely proud of all of our players that attained this great honor," remarked Head Softball Coach Danielle Fazzolare. "These students work tirelessly on and off the field and take pride in being high achieving student-athletes. Their endless efforts have paid off in receiving this recognition and will serve them well in their future aspirations."

In a record year with 7,365 softball players across seven NFCA membership divisions receiving the honor, Division III produced the second-most Scholar-Athletes with 1,825. Five of the seven Bears honorees—Ferrigno, Gentile, Rossi, Simon, and Finnerty–also received the honor in 2015-16.

"It is outstanding to see so many Bears names on this list," commented Director of Athletics and Recreation James Lally. "Having student-athletes receive this type of recognition is very special and we are proud of the way this group of students has represented us on the field and in the classroom."

To earn NFCA Scholar-Athlete distinction, student-athletes must maintain a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher. All seven Bears were also named to the Skyline Academic Honor Roll at the end of last season. Additionally, Csikortos and Ferrigno were named to the Skyline All-Conference First Team, and Mahoney garnered Second-Team All-Skyline honors.

The softball team kicks off their 2018 campaign with a doubleheader on March 8th at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. before continuing to Virginia Beach, Virginia to compete in the Beach Blast Tournament for the second straight season.

Over 7,300 Student-Athletes Garner NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete Honors