The NJCAA recognized six Eastern athletic programs as Academic Teams of the Year after each earned a team grade point average of 3.00 or higher. Eastern’s softball team ranked No. 2 nationally with a 3.85 team GPA, while the women’s soccer team ranked No. 7 nationally with a 3.68 GPA. Baseball (3.38), men’s soccer (3.31), women’s basketball (3.17) and men’s basketball (3.15) also received national academic team recognition.
In addition to the team honors, 55 Mountaineer student-athletes earned NJCAA All-Academic recognition for their performance in the classroom. Eastern had 24 student-athletes named to the NJCAA All-Academic First Team for earning a perfect 4.0 GPA, 21 named to the Second Team with GPAs between 3.80 and 3.99, and 10 named to the Third Team with GPAs between 3.60 and 3.79.
The annual NJCAA Academic Awards recognize student-athletes and athletic programs that demonstrate excellence in the classroom. During the 2025-26 academic year, more than 13,700 student-athletes nationwide earned NJCAA All-Academic honors, while 1,446 teams were recognized for achieving a team GPA of 3.00 or higher.
“These honors reflect the commitment our student-athletes make every day to achieving success in the classroom while competing at a high level,” said Kendra Whisenhunt, EOSC athletic director. “To have six programs recognized nationally and 55 student-athletes earn NJCAA All-Academic honors speaks to the culture our coaches have built and the dedication our student-athletes have to representing Eastern with excellence both academically and athletically. We are incredibly proud of what they have accomplished.”
Eastern’s NJCAA All-Academic honorees include:
NJCAA All-Academic First Team (4.00 GPA): Jarrett Bell, Zack Brame, Addison Brown, Makayla Clark, Samantha Deblois, Brooklyn Duff, Stanley Foulger, Broc Lane Franklin, Jaxie Glasson, Mariona Gomis, Jude Hill, Lane Morris, Allyson McAlister, Noah Platt, Carlos Polania, Josie Pollet, Sean Raucher, Ty Riazi, Tomina Rihpa, Dawson Smith, Maison Sissney, Kaylea Underwood, Merel Vleemink and Tegan Maisie Wells.
NJCAA All-Academic Second Team (3.80-3.99 GPA): January Bautista, Vanessa Brett, Kalleigh Budd, Bryson Carey, Acelyn Cisneros, Mason Gooding, Madison Grogan, Dakota Hall, Nathan Harkins, Jordan Jackson, Nathan Lloyd, Shaun Mapuranga, Joshua Norvell, Lety Parga, Faith Pulfer, Lewis Renyard, Melanie Richard, Thomas Riis, Denim Sands, Samantha Scott and Curtis Waters.
NJCAA All-Academic Third Team (3.60-3.79 GPA): Luke Altom, Tlotlo Langa, Ciah Lily-Rudkin, Hedley McGhan, Landan Morse, Caleb Rey, Kishawn Smalling, Joe Victery, Piper Warren and Joe Wilson.
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