Ponder High School Softball Earns National Academic Honor for Second Year in a Row

The Ponder High School Lady Lions softball team has once again proven that excellence doesn’t stop at the ballfield—it extends into the classroom.

For the second year in a row, the Lady Lions earned a spot in the Top 100 nationally in the prestigious Easton/NFCA Team GPA Award rankings for the 2024–2025 school year. This recognition, presented by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), honors high school and collegiate softball teams across the United States that demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.

“This award is not just for Texas teams, but for high schools all over the United States,” head coach Sydney Koelzer shared in a congratulatory message to her players this morning. “Your hard work in the classroom paid off last year. Now let’s keep getting after it and place in the top 50!”

The Easton/NFCA Team GPA Award requires teams to maintain an impressive combined GPA, spotlighting the importance of academic excellence alongside athletic performance. Last year, Ponder High ranked 70th nationwide with a 3.591 GPA, and this year they maintained their standing among the nation’s elite academic performers in high school softball.

Ponder ISD celebrates the Lady Lions not only for their determination on the diamond but also for their commitment to representing the district with pride in the classroom.

Congratulations, Lady Lions, on this outstanding achievement!