PELLA—Five Central College players were named to the Academic All-District® softball teams Tuesday, selected by College Sports Communicators.
           
Right fielder Mariah Parton (junior, Ankeny), catcher Rylee Dunkin (sophomore, Hamilton, Twin Cedars HS), third baseman Hannah Higgins (junior, Macomb, Ill.), second baseman Larissa Miller (sophomore, Ankeny) and center fielder Carley Underwood (sophomore, Mitchellville, Colfax-Mingo HS) were honored. To be eligible for consideration, a student-athlete must play in 90% of a team's contests at the varsity level or start in 66% of the games while achieving a 3.50 or better cumulative grade point average (4.00 scale).
           
Parton and Dunkin are among those players advancing to the national ballot to be voted on by CSC members. Academic All-America® honorees will be announced June 17.
           
Parton is a kinesiology major with a 3.61 GPA. She was second on the team with a .386 batting average, while leading the team with five triples
           
Dunkin is an elementary education major with a 3.96 GPA. She had a team-high 30 steals to go with her .367 batting average.
           
Higgins is an environmental & sustainability studies and biology double major with a 3.83 GPA. She's Central's only repeat selection for this honor. She finishes the season with 31 RBI and a .347 batting average.
           
Miller is undeclared with a 3.78 GPA. She had a .284 batting average and scored 32 runs with 11 stolen bases.
           
Underwood is a communication studies major with a 3.65 GPA. She hit .164 while scoring 21 runs and stealing 12 bags.
           
The CSC Academic All-America® programs are financially supported partially by the NCAA Division II and III national governance structures.
           
Central posted a 26-13 record while making a record 33rd NCAA Division III Championships appearance.