MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. – The University of Mount Olive softball program celebrated academic and athletic excellence as four student-athletes were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.
Sophomore McKenzie Millard, senior Alyssa Smothers, junior Samantha Taylor, and junior Bri Verme all earned the prestigious recognition, which honors student-athletes who excel both on the field and in the classroom.
Standout Performances
Taylor led the charge offensively for the Trojans, posting a team-high .366 batting average with 60 hits, 11 doubles, three triples, and 48 RBIs across 51 starts. The nursing major with a 3.57 GPA earned All-Conference Carolinas Second Team honors and was recognized for her defensive prowess in left field.
Millard proved to be a versatile threat, batting .324 with 47 hits and a team-leading 16 stolen bases while playing stellar defense at third base. The mathematics major maintained a 3.73 GPA and was named to the Conference Carolinas All-Defensive Team after recording 65 putouts and 71 assists.
For Smothers, the honor marked her third consecutive year earning Academic All-District recognition. The biomedical sciences graduate capped her senior campaign with All-Conference Carolinas First Team honors at second base, hitting .313 in conference play while maintaining a 3.73 GPA.
In the circle, Verme contributed 47 innings pitched across 16 appearances, striking out 18 batters while pursuing her chemistry degree with a 3.59 GPA.
Academic Excellence Requirements
To qualify for the Academic All-District Team, student-athletes must maintain a minimum 3.50 cumulative GPA, hold at least sophomore academic and athletic standing, and meet specific playing time thresholds. Each institution may nominate up to five softball players for consideration.
The recognition serves as a stepping stone toward potential Academic All-America honors, with advancement determined by College Sports Communicators subcommittees.
The four honorees exemplify Mount Olive’s commitment to developing well-rounded student-athletes who excel in competition and the classroom.
