DES MOINES, Iowa – The Drake softball team earned four selections to the 2023 College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) Academic All-District team, the organization announced Tuesday (May 16). Aubree Beitzinger, Mackenzie Hupke, Addie Lightner and Emily Valtman were recognized for their efforts in the classroom and on the diamond.

Heidi Wheeler was named a 2023 MVC Softball Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention. 
 
Beitzinger, a marketing major started at second base throughout the 2023 season. She batted .301 with 14 RBI and six extra base hits.
 
Hupke, a finance major led Drake in the circle with eight complete games, a 3.37 earned run average and 168 strikeouts.
 
Lightner, a health sciences major, clubbed three home runs and six doubles while driving in 19 RBI.
 
Valtman, a data analytics major, finished with a .301 batting average while hitting four home runs and driving in 26 RBI. She also led Drake in doubles (10) and slugging pct. (.446).
 
The CSC Academic All-District® program separately recognizes softball honorees in four divisions – NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA. To be eligible a student-athlete must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.50 (on a 4.0 scale) cumulative GPA at his/her current institution. Nominees must also have completed a full calendar year at their current institution and reached sophomore athletic eligibility.
 
Academic All-District® honorees advance to the CSC Academic All-America® ballot. First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America® honorees will be announced in June.