Greatness isn’t always measured by runs batted in, strikeouts thrown, or on-field heroics that grab the headlines. Sometimes, true greatness is found in the quiet dedication to academics, the commitment to team and community, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in every area of life. Today, we celebrate five extraordinary student-athletes who embody all those values and more. Congratulations to Marlie Giles, Alea Johnson, Catelyn Riley, Abby Duchscherer, and Emily Winstead—our 2025 CSC Academic All-District honorees. These five remarkable young women have achieved what few can: excellence both on the softball diamond and in the classroom.
Each year, the College Sports Communicators (CSC) honors the most academically gifted and athletically outstanding student-athletes across the country. Being named an Academic All-District honoree is a testament to a student-athlete’s tireless work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and unmatched devotion to their sport. For Giles, Johnson, Riley, Duchscherer, and Winstead, this recognition isn’t just a line on a résumé—it’s a symbol of countless early mornings, long nights, missed holidays, and an enduring will to make every hour of every day count.
Let’s begin with Marlie Giles. A cornerstone of her team both offensively and defensively, Giles has become known for her consistent presence at the plate and behind it. Her ability to lead by example has made her a coach’s dream and a teammate’s lifeline. But perhaps what’s most inspiring about Giles is her work away from the field. Maintaining a stellar GPA while balancing a full travel and training schedule is no small feat. Yet Giles has done so with humility and grace. She represents the essence of a student-athlete—someone who never sacrifices their academic ambitions for short-term athletic gain. She’s proof that one can pursue greatness in multiple arenas without compromise. Whether she’s hitting a walk-off double or submitting a final research paper on cellular biology, Giles does it all with passion and purpose.
Alea Johnson stands as another powerful symbol of what it means to be a scholar-athlete. As a pitcher, Johnson commands the circle with poise, delivering pitch after pitch with precision, strategy, and grit. But it’s her academic prowess that rounds out her excellence. Balancing the demands of an elite softball schedule with rigorous coursework is something many might find daunting. For Johnson, it’s a lifestyle. She’s not just a competitor on the mound—she’s also a driven academic who has earned the respect of professors and peers alike. Her study sessions after grueling practices, her detailed class notes taken while on the road, and her unshakable commitment to learning reveal a deep love of knowledge and a relentless drive to improve. It’s no wonder she’s garnered Academic All-District honors; she’s a model of what happens when talent meets tenacity.
Catelyn Riley has become a force in her own right, excelling as a pitcher and utility player, but also carving out a reputation as one of the most intellectually sharp minds in her department. Her ability to break down game film with the same analytical precision she applies to her coursework speaks volumes about her versatility and mental agility. Whether she’s solving complex equations or dissecting opposing hitters’ tendencies, Riley approaches every challenge with focus and clarity. Her academic honors are not simply the result of natural intellect—they are the byproduct of countless hours spent studying between road trips, long weekends sacrificed to exam prep, and a willingness to ask hard questions in pursuit of deeper understanding. Her teammates know her as the one who always has her laptop out, always asking, “How can I be better today?” That mentality has now earned her a place among the elite.
For Abby Duchscherer, the road to recognition has been paved with resilience, sacrifice, and vision. Known for her leadership qualities and softball IQ, Duchscherer commands respect from everyone in the dugout. Yet it’s her academic leadership that often goes under the radar. While some may view schoolwork as a requirement, Duchscherer treats it as an opportunity—an opportunity to grow, to lead, and to set an example for future generations of student-athletes. She has mentored teammates on study habits, stayed up late helping peers with class projects, and taken it upon herself to elevate the academic culture of her team. That sense of responsibility and purpose is what defines her legacy. She’s not just playing for today’s wins; she’s laying the foundation for tomorrow’s champions—in both athletics and academics.
Emily Winstead rounds out this exceptional group of honorees with a story that perfectly blends athletic dominance and academic excellence. A fierce competitor in every sense, Winstead has delivered standout performances all season, dazzling fans and baffling batters. But behind her intimidating presence on the mound is a deeply curious and brilliant mind. She approaches her studies with the same vigor she brings to game day. Winstead’s professors often comment on her insightful contributions, her discipline in meeting deadlines despite a grueling travel schedule, and her unique ability to connect sports strategy with classroom concepts. Whether she’s diagramming pitch sequences or writing papers on public policy, Winstead approaches her work with integrity, insight, and intensity. She doesn’t just meet expectations—she raises the bar for everyone around her.
What ties these five together—Giles, Johnson, Riley, Duchscherer, and Winstead—isn’t just a shared award. It’s a shared mindset. They believe in the power of doing things the right way, every time. They understand that championships fade but character remains. And they know that success in life will come not only from what they do on the field but from how they prepare off of it.
Their recognition as CSC Academic All-District honorees reflects more than GPA averages and box scores—it’s a celebration of dedication, time management, emotional intelligence, and leadership. These young women are redefining what it means to be a collegiate athlete in the modern age. They are not content with one-dimensional success. They want it all—and they’re willing to work for it.
In honoring these five outstanding individuals, we also recognize the people who helped make it all possible: the parents who drove them to early practices and stayed up helping with homework, the coaches who encouraged academic discipline, and the teachers who extended grace and offered late office hours to accommodate demanding schedules. Behind every honoree is a community that believed in their ability to achieve greatness on all fronts.
