South Carolina softball continues to shine — not only on the diamond but in the classroom as well. Five standout student-athletes were named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District® Softball Team this week, highlighting their combined excellence in academics and athletics.
Sam Gress, Nealy Lamb, Arianna Rodi, Emily Vinson, and Lexi Winters were honored for their achievements, with Gress, Rodi, and Winters advancing as CSC Academic All-America® finalists. The Academic All-America® teams will be announced on June 17.
This marks the third career Academic All-District® honor for Emily Vinson, while Rodi and Winters each earned the accolade for a second time.
Sam Gress, a graduate student in sport and entertainment management with a 3.83 GPA, capped off an incredible season in the circle. She was also named All-SEC Second Team and to the SEC All-Defensive Team. Gress led the SEC in saves (5), ranked second on the team with 14 wins and 104 strikeouts, and posted a 2.83 ERA across 150.2 innings. She was recently drafted by the Florida Vibe of the Fastpitch United Pro Series.
Nealy Lamb, a sophomore pitcher majoring in public health, boasts a perfect 4.0 GPA. She ended her first season as a Gamecock with a 10-3 record and a 3.26 ERA, striking out 81 batters over 73 innings. Lamb’s biggest moment came against rival Clemson, where she tossed five scoreless innings for the win.
Arianna Rodi made headlines throughout the season — not just for her powerful bat but also for her academic prowess. The junior first baseman holds a 4.0 GPA in services management. Rodi set single-season program records with 17 home runs and 49 walks. Her 55 RBIs rank third in South Carolina history, and she posted a 37-game on-base streak, one of the longest in Division I this season.
Emily Vinson, a senior outfielder studying psychology with a 4.0 GPA, started 60 games in her lone season with Carolina. She led the team in stolen bases and provided speed and versatility in the lineup.
Lexi Winters, a junior catcher majoring in economics with a 4.0 GPA, also had a huge season. She ranked second on the team in RBIs (53), home runs (6), and slugging percentage (.527), while batting .331 and catching every game.
These five athletes represent the best of South Carolina softball — excelling in every aspect of student-athlete life.