Junior first baseman Leah Derderian (Boylston, Mass.), junior pitcher Sammi Letizio (Windham, N.H.) and sophomore catcher Emily Nalband (Litchfield, Conn.) were named All-American Scholar-Athletes, as announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. 

Derderian, a nursing major posted a 3.56 GPA during the 2007-08 academic year and helped the Sharks to a third place finish and their first postseason win at the Eastern College Athletic Conference Tournament.  She ranked fifth in NCAA Division III in hit by pitch (11), and was fourth among team leaders in batting average (.292), slugging percentage (.487), doubles (7), triples (3) and home runs (3).  Derderian was also an Academic All-GNAC selection.   

Letizio, set the program's single-season record for wins by a pitcher (22), and posted a team-best in ERA (1.54), strikeouts (165) and complete games (21).  Letizio was named to the NFCHA All-Region Third Team and garnered All-GNAC First Team honors after leading the conference in wins and ranking among national leaders in walks allowed per seven innings (10th, .79) and wins (11th, 22).  Letizo, an Academic All-GNAC selection, posted a 3.51 GPA, majoring in physical therapy. 

Nalband, a management major posted a 3.66 GPA en route to helping Simmons capture a school record 35 wins. Appearing in 40 games she ranked third on the team in slugging percentage (.403) and doubles (11) and batted .341 with 26 RBI and 35 runs scored.  Nalband, a 2007-08 Academic All-GNAC selection ranked among conference leaders in triples (4th, 5) and fielding percentage (4th, .987).

"I'm extremely proud of Emily, Leah and Sammi," said Head Coach Annie Hennigan.  "They are dedicated, focused and determined on the softball field, so it's not surprising that the same qualities transfer into the classroom. I am so happy they are being nationally recognized for their academic achievements."