LOGAN, Utah - Five Utah State softball players have been named All-America Scholar-Athletes by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association for the 2014-15 school year. Additionally, the USU softball team is one of 107 teams recognized for its academic efforts.

"We're extremely proud of these five for their academic accomplishments," said USU head coach Steve Johnson. "Academics are our number one priority in our program here at Utah State and these five epitomize the title of student-athlete, proving that you can be successful both on and off the field."

Senior pitcher Noelle Johnson, sophomore pitcher Jordyn McCracken, senior catcher Kirstyn Namba and senior first baseman Libby Pederson, as well as former player and current team manager Megan Rhead, each earned All-America Scholar-Athlete accolades. To be named an NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete, a student-athlete must earn a 3.5 or better grade point average for the entire school year.

The softball team was named an NFCA All-Academic team, ranking 94th in the nation with an overall GPA of 3.09. Utah State is one of four Mountain West programs to be recognized, joining New Mexico, Fresno State and Nevada. USU is also one of four teams in the state of Utah to earn the honor, joining Utah Valley, Weber State and BYU.

Fans can follow the Aggie softball program on Twitter, @USUSoftball, on Facebook at facebook.com/USUSoftball or on Instagram, @ususoftball. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter, @USUAthletics, Facebook at facebook.com/USUAthletics and on Instagram, @USUAthletics.