Nine Valparaiso University softball players have been named 2004-05 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-America Scholar Athletes for their performances in the classroom and on the field last season.

Six members of last year's freshman class, Kayla Grutz (Bellevue, Iowa/Bellevue), Alicia Ashburn (Mishawaka, Ind./Mishawaka), Mallory Gill (Beloit, Wis./Memorial), Andrea Zappia (Indianapolis, Ind./Franklin Central), Shannon Robinson (Toronto, Ontario/John Redmond) and Maggie Seidel were all honored. They were joined by Allison Whitesell (Fort Wayne, Ind./Northup), Ann Sievert (Davenport, Iowa/Assumption) and graduated senior Amy Mitchell.

The individuals honored were selected because they have achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.50. Last season's Crusader team had a cumulative GPA of 3.235, the 28th best GPA in Division I softball

The 2006 Valpo season begins March 5 in Orlando, Fla. at the Rebel Spring Games. The 23-game home schedule opens March 28 at 2:00 p.m. against Central Michigan.

Click here to see the 2006 schedule.