Kearney, Neb. – Five members of the Nebraska Kearney softball team recently earned Academic All-District honors from the College Sports Communicators (CSC). 

This award went through a change prior the 2022-23 academic year and had additional changes since. To qualify now, a student-athlete must maintain a 3.50 cumulative GPA and have played in 90% of the institution's games played or started in at least 66% of the time. For pitchers, a student-athlete must have made at least 17 appearances or logged 35 innings. Additionally, schools can nominate no more than five players. 

Previously, Academic All-District nominees could've posted a 3.25 cumulative GPA, there was no game percentage requirement with honorees selected by a random vote. Now, all qualifiers receive Academic All-District distinction. 

UNK's qualifiers are senior shortstop Mary Chvatal (Wahoo), senior outfielder Alivia De La Cruz (Mesa, Ariz.), junior infielder Alyssa Fortik (Raymond), redshirt sophomore catcher Kendall Kersey (Parker, Colo.) and sophomore outfielder Bailey Peterson (Oakdale, Calif.) Each was a full-time starter for the Lopers in 2026 with Chvatal now a three-time qualifier and both De La Cruz and Fortik repeat selections. 

The Academic All-American team was announced on June 16.