The College Sports Communicators (formerly known as CoSIDA) announced the 2023 Academic All‐District® Softball Team this week. Juniors Paige Kolinski, Alexis Gills, Sydney Herioux, and Alyssa Muench were on the list of honorees announced on Tuesday.
Kolinski has had a career year setting best marks in almost every offensive category including a large leap in runs, hits, home runs, and RBI. She led the Cardinals with six home runs and boasts the fourth-most doubles on the team with eight.
"Kolinski is the ultimate teammate behind the plate," said SVSU head softball coach Ryan Schalk. "She calls a great game, understands how to set up hitters, and is a threat to do damage every time she steps in the box offensively."
Gills was an NFCA All-Midwest Region and All-GLIAC second-team selection. She has also set career highs in multiple categories this season. The junior from Byron Center, Michigan, has the best batting average on the team at .402, a mark that is third in the GLIAC. Her 35 runs, 53 hits, 11 doubles, three triples, and 29 RBI are all career bests.
"AJ has had a monster season for us," said Schalk. "She moved from third to first base and hasn't looked back since. She only knows one speed and that's all out. She's had some big-time hits in clutch situations for us this season."
Herioux has improved in every statistical category this season. She has scored 14 runs and registered 25 hits with four doubles and tallied 17 RBI. The Gladstone, Michigan native has spent the majority of the season playing second base for the Cardinals.
"Sydney stepped up big time this year for us as second base. She came into this season with limited game experience and has been nothing short of outstanding up the middle," Schalk said.
Muench has a 9-4 record in the circle this season with six complete games. She has been a solid relief pitcher. Her 53 strikeouts and 3.26 ERA are both second-best on the team.
"Muench has been lights out at times this season in the circle. She had some big-time wins for us at the beginning of the year and has been solid in relief spots and as a starter," said Schalk.
All Academic All‐District® honorees advance to the College Sports Communicators Academic All‐America® ballot. The First‐, second, and third‐team Academic All‐ America® honorees will be announced in June.