OAK CREEK, Wis. — Eight members of the Milwaukee Area Technical College softball program have earned 2025–26 Easton/NFCA All‑America Scholar‑Athlete honors, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced Wednesday. The recognition places the Stormers among the nation's most academically accomplished junior‑college programs.

MATC's eight honorees include six freshmen and two sophomores, a selective group that earned national recognition by posting a 3.5 GPA or higher during the academic year. The freshmen are Amira Baldon, Ellie Brzek, Hallie Knurowski, Chloe Lago, Emma Roeper and Maiya Tearney, while Somer Beckman and Lily Dermyer represented the Stormers' sophomore class.

Across all divisions, the NFCA reported that 8,852  individual collegiate softball student‑athletes earned Scholar‑Athlete distinction for 2025–26. Junior colleges contributed 1,190 of those selections, or roughly 14 percent of the total, which highlights the academic strength across two‑year institutions nationwide.

MATC head coach Joe Kuntner said the awards reflect a commitment that extends well beyond competition.

"Eight MATC softball players have earned the distinction of All‑America Scholar‑Athlete. Their achievement represents much more than a GPA. It reflects late nights, hard work, discipline, sacrifice and the determination to be great both on the field and in the classroom. I couldn't be more proud of these young women," Kuntner said.

These Scholar‑Athlete honors were announced alongside the NFCA's Easton Top‑10 Team GPAs, which recognized Paris Junior College (3.942) as the nation's top academic program for the second straight year.