Three Jayhawks Earn NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete Honors

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kansas softball set new standards both on and off the diamond during the 2014 season by returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006, and tying its record for most academic All-Americans in a season after Alex Jones, Nikki Bruce and Maddie Stein were named to 2014 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-America Scholar Athletes.

It is the first All-America Scholar-Athlete accolade for all three and the most in a single season since Stephani Williams, Erin Wahaus and Shanna Cole were honored at the conclusion of the 1993 season.

Bruce, who graduated last May from KU with a degree in history, appeared in 12 games and made nine starts last season. She hit .208 with a double, a home run and six RBIs. Bruce was also named to the 2014 Academic All-Big 12 Team.

A 2014 graduate of Kansas, Jones completed her degree in exercise science. She appeared in 45 games and made 43 starts last year before an injury sidelined her for 12 games. Jones hit .293 at the plate with six doubles and 11 RBIs. On the mound, she made five appearances, collecting a 1-0 record with a 2.50 ERA. Jones was honored with Academic All-Big 12 accolades at the end of her senior season as well.

Stein, a senior from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, added to her list of achievements in 2014 with her second academic award. She also earned Academic All-Big 12 and All-Big 12 Defensive Team honors. Starting every game in 2014, Stein hit .358 with 13 doubles, a triple, a home run and 40 RBIs.

The Kansas softball program was also named a 2014 NFCA All-Academic Team for its efforts in the classroom during the 2013-14 academic year.

To be eligible for NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors, individuals must achieve a 3.5 GPA or higher.

The Jayhawks began their Fall slate on Oct. 4 against Washburn at 11 a.m., at Rock Chalk Park. It is the first of seven contests in the month of October. Kansas returns six starters and 13 letterwinners from last year’s roster, while welcoming nine newcomers including seven freshmen and two transfers.

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