LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Nine Northwest softball student-athletes have been recognized as All-America Scholar-Athletes by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), it was recently announced.

The honorees are sophomores Lauren Riley (Hernando), Rachel Kelly (Olive Branch), Malea Dillon (Memphis, Tenn.), Casey Baddley (Nesbit), Anna Barham (Independence), Emily Hatcher (Cleveland) and Vicki Johnson (Sardis) along with freshmen Chelsey Gilliam (Potts Camp) and Lindsey Shaw (Senatobia).

The award is given to any player submitted by an NFCA member coach who achieved a 3.50 grade point average or higher during the 2012-13 academic year. The award is the second component of the association's academic award program.

Northwest posted a 3.42 team GPA for the academic year, also earning honors from the NJCAA.