Four WAC softball players have been voted to the Capital One CoSIDA Academic All-District teams.
Hawai'i centerfielder Kelly Majam, New Mexico State outfielder Kandis Jones and Utah State designated player Shasta Tyteca were named to the first team, while New Mexico State utility player Teresa Conrad was named to the second team. Majam, Jones and Tyteca now advance to the national ballot for Academic All-America consideration.
Majam, a sophomore from Pine Valley, Calif., has started every game for Hawai‘i. A secondary education major in physical education, she has the highest GPA on the Rainbow Wahine team (3.81). Last year as a freshman, she earned National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) scholar-athlete honors as well as Academic all-WAC honors. Majam is just the ninth player in UH history to earn the prestigious honor.
Jones, a senior from La Mirada, Calif., is a community health major with a 3.88 cumulative GPA in her final semester at NM State. This is the second academic all-district accolade for Jones after making the team during her sophomore campaign in 2009. She is also a three-time member of the Academic all-WAC team. Two weeks ago, Jones was recognized by NM State as the 2011 female Outstanding Athletic Scholar. With 168 career runs scored, she is the active leader in the WAC. Jones is also the active leader in the league with 253 career hits.
Tyteca, a senior from Farmington, Utah, has a 3.33 cumulative GPA in psychology. She is among the leaders in hitting this season for the Aggies with a .383 batting average. A two-time academic all-WAC honoree, she hit a grand slam Friday in Utah State's 13-6 loss to Louisiana Tech.
Conrad, a sophomore marketing major, boasts a 3.74 cumulative GPA. She earned Academic all-WAC honors as a freshman and is on pace to repeat that feat in her second year. This season she has almost doubled her batting average from .183 in 2010 to .336 in 2011. She has also more than tripled her home run numbers from two as a freshman to eight this season. Conrad ranks fourth in the WAC with 41 RBI.
In order to be eligible for Academic All-District and All-America honors, a player must have completed at least one academic year, must be a starter or significant reserve, must have a 3.30 cumulative grade-point average and must have completed at least one full academic year at her institution. Voting is done by members of CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America).