NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Christopher Newport University softball's Grace Wild was named Academic All-American on Tuesday by the College Sports Information Directors Association (CoSIDA). Wild, from Potomac Falls, Va., was selected third team All-American by the national organization after recently being named to the 2020 Academic All-District Softball Team by CoSIDA.

Wild, who recently received a bachelor of science degree in neuroscience from Christopher Newport, becomes the first Captains softball Academic All-American in the 36-year history of the program. She was a steady second baseman for the Captains over the last four seasons, and made an immediate impact in the program as a freshman. Wild continued to serve as a team leader on the field and in the classroom throughout her remarkable four-year career.

"Grace Wild is the perfect example of what it is to be a student-athlete," Head Coach Keith Parr said. "Grace has been the consummate teammate and leader both on and off the field. In addition to her outstanding work in the classroom, she excelled as a hitter and fielder...and also somehow found time for community engagement during her time at Christopher Newport. I know she will continue to be an outstanding leader and will excel in her future endeavors."

Wild achieved Academic All-American as well as Academic All-District status thanks to a sparkling 3.87 GPA. Her career with the Captains on the field was also noteworthy, and included all-conference, all-state, and all-region accolades as she anchored Christopher Newport's infield at second base.

After graduating from Potomac Falls High School, she almost immediately stepped into Christopher Newport's lineup as a freshman and remained there for four incredible years. Wild registered a career batting average of .364 with 164 base hits and 148 runs scored in her 149 games played, starting every game she saw action in. Wild's hit total includes 47 doubles, which is the most ever in program history by a player. She also knocked in 106 runs and stole 41 bases. As a junior in 2019, Wild posted a season batting average of .403 and was named first team All-Conference in the Capital Athletic Conference, as well as first team All-State and second team All-Region.

Wild is the seventh overall Christopher Newport student-athlete to be named Academic All-America, joining a group that includes Casey Taylor (Women's Track & Field), Evan Moog and Ben James (Football), Brian Jaeger (Men's Golf), Marlene Lichty (Field Hockey), and Carson Pokorny (Women's Soccer).

Wild will now continue her academic career in graduate school after helping the Captains win 120 of 150 games over the last four seasons for a winning clip of 80 percent. She also appeared in the last three NCAA Tournaments.

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