DePaul University Athletics
Blue Demons Among the Best in the Country
10/14/2010 12:00:00 AM | SOFTBALL
Oct. 14, 2010
CHICAGO - When it comes to academics, DePaul's softball program just hit another home run.
The Blue Demons' team grade-point average is No. 22 in the nation, and DePaul was recognized as a Division I All-Academic Team by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
Their 3.381 GPA was the highest among teams in the BIG EAST Conference and came close to Stanford (3.397) and Harvard (3.480).
In addition, Lindsey Dean, Annie Demas, Becca Heteniak, Alex Morocco, Sarah Shizas, Marie Thompson, Allie Warren and Shea Warren were honored as NFCA Scholar Athletes.
"This shows we're working really hard to get ahead in the class room as well as on the field," said DePaul softball coach Eugene Lenti. "There's a reason why the word 'student' comes first in the term 'student-athlete,' and that is our first priority.
"We are one of the few softball programs in the country that regularly finishes in the Top 25 academically and athletically. We have a history of Academic All-Americans, and strong academics are a big part of our tradition."
Last season, DePaul won both the BIG EAST regular-season title and also the BIG EAST Team Academic Excellence Award.
"This NFCA recognition is also a tribute to Kate O'Brien and the Athletics Academic Advising department," Lenti said. "They are doing a great job of keeping our student-athletes on track and holding them to a higher standard.
"Basically, Kate O'Brien is the head coach of academics, and we are all her assistants."
