Echols Named Capital One Academic All-American
May 29, 2015 | Softball, Athletic Academics
AUSTIN, Texas – Nearing the completion of her master's degree in business administration, senior Julia Echols was named to the Capital One Academic All-America third team, the College Sports Information Directors of America announced Friday.
An outfielder turned infielder, Echols has amassed a perfect 4.0 GPA while going for her graduate degree. The McDonough, Georgia native compiled a 3.93 GPA during her undergraduate career that ended with a bachelor's degree in accounting.
Mississippi State now has 10 Academic All-America honors in program history with Echols being the first since Ali Bainbridge in 2011. Echols is the first player in head coach Vann Stuedeman's tenure at MSU to accomplish the feat.
Echols was selected to the field of All-America recipients after having been named to the Academic All-District first team for District 6 – May 6. Echols is also a National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-South Region second team selection.
"It is such an honor to receive this accolade," Echols said. "All of my life I have dreamed of becoming a Division I All-American and it has finally come to fruition. Hard work truly does pay off, and I couldn't be more grateful to all of those who have helped me along the way. To those who have pushed me to strive for excellence in both my sport, the classroom and in life, thank you."
On the field in 2015, Echols led the Bulldogs in hit by pitch (15) and ranked second on the team in home runs (9), slugging percentage (.581), on-base percentage (.467) and walks (26). Echols also recorded 12 multiple-hit games and six multiple-RBI games, including a 5-for-5 performance at the plate at Mizzou – April 11.
In April, Echols was named a 2014-15 Newsom Award recipient for her excellence in the classroom in addition to her success on the field. During the 2012 spring season, Echols was named an NFCA All-American Scholar Athlete after posting a 4.0 GPA.
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