FLORENCE, SC - The National Fastpitch Coaches Association recently announced its All-Academic Team listings for the 2007 season, and Francis Marion University was one of 61 NCAA Division II programs to garner recognition – and the only Peach Belt Conference school to be named to the list.

The All-Academic Team listings are based on cumulative team grade-point averages submitted by NFCA member head coaches for the 2006-07 academic year. Squads are named in seven categories: all three NCAA divisions, NAIA, junior college, and two high school categories.

The Patriots compiled a 3.470 cumulative grade-point average and were ranked 10th among Division II programs. In fact, FMU ranked 22nd among all four-year schools – NCAA (all divisions) and NAIA – and first among Palmetto State institutions.

FMU previously earned this honor in 1999, 2000, and 2006.

“For the second straight year, I am very proud of the accomplishments these student-athletes have achieved both on and off the playing field,” said FMU head coach Stacey Vallee. “As in winning games, this academic award is truly a team effort. These players are the perfect examples of ‘student-athletes’.”

Francis Marion compiled a 34-16 record this past spring, finishing fifth during the PBC regular season. FMU spent five weeks in the Top 25 poll, and for the fourth straight year, narrowly missed earning a bid to the NCAA Division II national tournament.

Seventeen of the squad's 18 players were named to the PBC Presidential Honor Roll following the season.