Northwestern University's softball team has been honored by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association as a recipient of the academic Top 10 Award for the 2001-02 school year.

The awards are based on the cumulative team grade point averages submitted by NFCA member head coaches. Northwestern posted a team GPA of 3.319 last season. Detroit Mercy's team GPA of 3.539 was the highest in the nation.

"Our entire program is extremly proud of this honor," Wildcat Head Coach Kate Drohan said. "It is obvious that we take our academics as seriously as our softball. It is impressive because of what a prestigious academic institution Northwestern is."

NCAA Division I Academic Top Ten

SCHOOL TEAM GPA HEAD COACH

1. Detroit Mercy 3.539 Bob Wilkerson

2. Southeast Missouri State 3.468 Lana Richmond

3. St. John's 3.424 Melody Cope

4. Southern Illinois 3.390 Kerri Blaylock

5. Coastal Carolina 3.377 Jess Dannelly

6. Saint Louis 3.354 James Molloy

7. Northwestern 3.319 Kate Drohan

8. Cleveland State 3.317 Julie Jones

9. Kent State 3.306 Karen Linder

10. Canisius 3.300 Michael Rappl

Kate Drohan's softball team posted a 3.319 GPA during the 2001-02 school year.