The National Fastpitch Coaches Association recognized the University of Houston-Victoria Jaguars softball team this week as a 2008-09 All-Academic Team for success in the classroom.

The Jaguars team grade-point average of 3.28 is the 15th highest among participating teams in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

“I’m so proud of these players,” head softball coach Keri Lambeth said. “I always tell them that we are here to get an education first and foremost.”

Players Ashley Falco, Lindsey Ferguson, Kristen Lindley, Claire McGee and Tasha Rotramel will receive individual certificates for maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher, according to the NFCA.

Keri Lambeth

“These players were the total package of excellence in the classroom, on the field and in the community,” Lambeth said.

Along with her academic excellence, Falco served as a member of the UHV Student Senate in 2008-09. Ferguson was named to the 2009 Second Team All-Region, served as team co-captain and was recognized as the UHV outstanding business undergraduate for 2009.

Lindley was named a NAIA All-American Designated Player and a Second Team All-Region player, and served as Student Senate president. Lindley also was named Student Regent for the University of Houston System for the 2009-10 school year. McGee served on the Student Senate and maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA. Rotramel was named the NAIA All-American Pitcher.

Rotramel and McGee both returned to play for the Jaguars in the 2010 season. Lindley and Ferguson came back to UHV to pursue graduate degrees.

“This is a great way to finish off a season that saw our team finish with an impressive 35-12 record and make the softball program’s first appearance at the national championship tournament,” UHV Athletics Director Ashley Walyuchow said. “That is a job well done.”