The Cosumnes River College Softball program has been honored with the prestigious 2024 3C2A Scholar Team Academic Award. Photo courtesy of Cosumnes River College Athletics

SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Cosumnes River College (CRC) Softball program has been honored with the prestigious 2024 3C2A Scholar Team Academic Award.

Out of the 72 softball teams across the state, the Hawks have been recognized for their extraordinary achievements both on the field and in the classroom. This award highlights the Hawks' commitment to excellence in athletics and academics, solidifying their status as one of the top programs in California.

The Hawks had a historic year, setting a new program record with 37 wins and finishing with an impressive 37-10 overall record and 20-4 in league play. Competing in the highly competitive Big 8 Conference, they secured second place in one of the toughest conferences in the state.

The Big 8 saw five of its nine teams advance to the postseason, with four winning their regional matchups. CRC was among the three teams from the Big 8 to reach the State Tournament, finishing as a top-eight team in California.

Several CRC players earned individual accolades for their outstanding performances.

Malia Babasa earned Big 8 Player of the Year honors. Big 8 First Team honors went to Malia Babasa, Tatiana Blas, Sarah Babby and Brooke Hanson. Big 8 Second Team honors went to Angelina Dahdouh and Eden Hobart.

NFCA All-American honors went to Malia Babasa, Tatiana Blas and Abigail Woodfill. All-State Selections included Malia Babasa and Tatiana Blas. All-NorCal Selection went to Brooke Hanson.

Beyond their dominance on the field, the Hawks excelled academically, finishing the season with an impressive 3.33 cumulative GPA. Their dedication to academics was further reflected in the 14 players named to the Big 8 All-Academic Team. Additionally, 15 of the 19 team members carried 15.5 or more units, with every player maintaining at least 13.5 units during the demanding spring season.

The team's commitment to academic success was rewarded with 100% of sophomores ending up transferring to four-year institutions, including five players who earned softball scholarships.

The 2024 CRC Softball team embodied the values of perseverance, teamwork, and commitment. Their ability to balance elite-level competition with academic excellence showcases the strength of the program and its leadership.

"This was one of the best groups I've had in my fifteen years coaching at Cosumnes River College," said Head Coach Kristy Schroeder. "They were unselfish, goal-oriented, and committed to excellence in all aspects of their lives."

With this well-deserved 3C2A Scholar Team Award, the CRC Softball program has cemented its legacy as a model for student-athlete success. The Hawks continue to set the standard for what it means to compete at the highest level while prioritizing academic achievement.