BUENA VISTA, Va. — The College Sports Communicators (CSC) announced its 2026 Academic All-District Softball Team, with four Southern Virginia University student-athletes earning recognition: Emmaline DeGroot, Malia Stauffer, Berkeley Whitten, and Morgan Rich.

The CSC Academic All-District Teams recognize the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom across NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, and NAIA competition.

Emmaline DeGroot, a sophomore from Uintah, Utah, earned the honor after excelling both academically and athletically. DeGroot has been named to the President's and Provost's Lists during her time at Southern Virginia and played a key role on the field this season. She was part of the trio that combined for five home runs in a single game to set a new program record, while also contributing 56 innings pitched with a 4.88 ERA.

Malia Stauffer, a senior from St. George, Utah, concluded a four-year career with the Knights after pitching 68.2 innings with a 5.00 ERA this season. A biochemistry major, Stauffer has earned Provost's List recognition four times and became just the second pitcher in program history to throw a perfect game when she accomplished the feat in 2023.

Berkeley Whitten, a junior from Charlotte, North Carolina, made an immediate impact in her first season with the Knights. She earned First Team All-Conference honors after leading the conference with 13 home runs, setting a new single-season program record. In the classroom, Whitten was named to the Provost's List in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.

Morgan Rich, a sophomore from South Weber, Utah, rounded out the group of honorees. Rich earned Provost's List recognition in Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 while serving as the Knights' everyday catcher. She started all 39 games behind the plate, threw out 10 baserunners attempting to steal, and recorded 22 hits, including six doubles.

The Division II and III CSC Academic All-America® programs are partially financially supported by the NCAA Division II and III national governance structures to assist CSC with awards fulfillment.