FULL ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA TEAM

AUSTIN, Texas – In a fitting conclusion to her standout softball career, recent Otterbein University graduate Katrina Wierzbicki (Powell/Bishop Watterson) has broken through to earn third team CoSIDA Academic All-America honors for outstanding college efforts.

Finishing with a 3.97 cumulative GPA in biochemistry and molecular biology, Wierzbicki is one of just 33 individuals across all of NCAA Division III to warrant a spot on this year's list.

Wierzbicki had been nominated three times in her career, also making the national ballot in 2019 before finally earning a nod this time around. She is one of three players from the state of Ohio to corral the honor in 2021, joining Sarah Miller (Case Western Reserve) and Grace Heath (Mount Union).

"This just really validates everything that I put into softball since the time I was six years old," a grateful Wierzbicki began. "It's not really about the awards, but something like this makes everything feel so worth it. I'm very honored and appreciative to have been selected."

Playing both outfield and shortstop during her time in a Cardinal uniform, "Weezy" continues an impressive string of national recognition for Otterbein Softball. She becomes the program's sixth different Academic All-America selection in the past eight years, joining a notable group that includes Laura Basford (2014), Rachael Puthoff (2014), Maddie Flasco (2016-18), Alyson Shaw (2018-19) and Courtney Hackney (2020).

Furthermore, Katrina also joins a special list within her own family. Her older sister, Marissa, received AAA honors (in soccer) at Ohio Dominican back in 2017… ironically with the same 3.97 GPA, in biology.

"I definitely want to thank my parents for getting me here, and my sister for being such a role model," Wierzbicki continued. "Of course, my coaches, teammates and professors as well. This doesn't happen without their support."

A career .334 hitter at the dish, Wierzbicki was part of two Ohio Athletic Conference championship teams and ultimately started 131 games. She ranks second all-time in program history for home runs (17) and seventh in RBI (84).

Away from the diamond, Wierzbicki was a consistent 3x Academic All-OAC performer and remained very involved in her area of study. She was an academic tutor, worked as a patient support assistant at Grant Medical Center, and had early acceptance into Ohio University's College of Osteopathic Medicine.

"Coming in as a freshman, I really had no idea what college softball was about… but you learn very quickly," Wierzbicki added in conclusion. "The Otterbein program pushes all of us to be rigorous both on the field and in the classroom. It's about rolling with the punches because you can't predict much of what's going to happen. Just keep being you and know what you can offer."             

Virginia Wesleyan's Hanna Hull repeated as the Academic All-American of the Year. The star pitcher led VWU to three national titles in four complete seasons, breaking the NCAA Division III career record for wins (132) and appearances (170) while totaling 1,353 strikeouts.

CoSIDA began the distinguished Academic All-America® program in 1952 to honor individuals that excel on the playing surface, in the classroom and throughout the community. To be eligible for consideration, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.30 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic/academic standing at their current institution and be nominated by their sports information director.