UTICA, NY - Leaders showcase their skills in a variety of different ways, on the diamond, in the classroom, and their influence spreads far and wide among their peers. This season, the Utica University softball team saw four of its young stars become leaders as the underclassmen-laden team transitioned into the next era of the program's history. Four spectacular sophomores were honored for their growth and commitment by receiving College Sports Communicators Academic All-District honors, an achievement gifted to those who had the biggest impact during the season, while also making sure to be a role model off of it.

This award recognizes the total student-athlete, and these four players were able to showcase their talent across all facets of student-athlete life. Each athlete honored had to maintain a stellar GPA while showing participation and skill in a majority of the team's games this past season.

#1 Lily Mazur (Rome, NY/Westmoreland) | Sophomore | Outfield 
Mazur provided speed on the basepaths and in the meadow for the Pioneers, as the quick outfielder had a solid campaign during her second season. Mazur batted .297 in her first year as a main part of the Pioneer lineup, also scoring 12 runs and stealing nine bases. She provided many jolts in the rollover spot, reaching base and setting up the top of the order with opportunities to score. She also excelled academically, netting her first-ever CSC Academic All-District honor.

#2 Meghan Paul (Guilderland, NY/Guilderland) | Sophomore | Outfield
Paul stepped into a pivotal role this season following a 2025 campaign in which a majority of the team's offensive talent left due to graduation. The starting center fielder brought lots of power to the table this past season, hammering two home runs in addition to five doubles and five triples. She was also one of two players to log 20 RBIs on the season. She'll look to improve in her role as she heads into her junior year. This is also her first CSC Academic All-District honor.

#6 Alexis Scott (Binghamton, NY/Chenango Forks) | Sophomore | Utility
Lexi Scott kept up her momentum heading into this season, as the all-rounder brought massive adaptability to the team. Scott grabbed 13 RBIs while also using her stellar eye to draw a team-high 16 walks. Scott's versatility, both on the field and in the classroom, helped her cement her first career CSC Academic All-District selection.

#32 Caroline Porter (Chittenango, NY/Chittenango) | Sophomore | Pitcher 
Porter slotted in as the Pioneers' third option this season during her second campaign, racking up 43.1 innings pitched as she helped the team in their search for the Empire 8 Tournament. Porter was also a standout once again in the classroom, helping her notch her first CSC Academic All-District honor.

These four players were integral to a Pioneer team that reached the Empire 8 Tournament once again this past season, doing so while only possessing one senior and no juniors. The freshmen and sophomore-laden team will be back in full force next season as the core hopes to make another jump. Keep an eye on our social media for information about Utica softball!