Six Panthers Earn Academic Accolades

Nov. 20, 2006

PITTSBURGH - For the second-consecutive season, six members of the 2006 University of Pittsburgh softball team were named National Fast Pitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-America Scholar-Athletes for their outstanding work in the classroom last season.

"We have an outstanding academic mind set on this team, and I am very proud of my players," said Head Coach Michelle Phalen. "It is quite an accomplishment to be named an NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete. They have worked very hard and are truly deserving of this award."

Seniors Laura Belardinelli (Endicott, N.Y./Union-Endicott), Sheena Hellon (Sacramento, Calif./Cordova), Morgan Howard (Wexford, Pa./North Allegheny) and Kim Stiles (Thurmont, Md./Catoctin/Vermont) and junior Valerie Mihalik (Schnecksville, Pa./Parkland) all earned their second academic All-America honor from the NFCA.

Former outfielder, Jessica Thomas (2002-2006) also earned the NFCA award after succeeding in the classroom during the 2006 season. This marks her third honor.

In order to earn this distinction, student-athletes have to achieve a 3.5 GPA or higher for the year. Last season the Panthers were also awarded the Highest GPA honor at the Scholar-Athlete Banquet and 12 were selected on the Big East Academic All-Star team.

As a team, Pitt is ranked 54th nationally according to the NFCA with a cumulative 3.17 GPA.

The Panthers open the 2007 season on Friday, Feb. 9 in the three-day FAU Miken Invitational against South Carolina at 9 a.m.

Six Panthers Earn Academic Accolades

Players Mentioned

Laura Belardinelli

Sheena Hellon

Morgan Howard

Valerie Mihalik

Kim Stiles

Jessica Thomas

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