Arcadia University senior designated player Jessica Shotwell has been named a 2015 Third-Team Capital One Division III Softball Academic All-America® selection by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), which recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances athletically and in the classroom.

Shotwell is the first Capital One Academic All-America® selection in program history and is just the second Arcadia student-athlete in any sport to be named to a Capital One Academic All-America® Team by CoSIDA. Senior Kim Canfield was named to the Capital One Division III Women’s Soccer Academic All-America® Team earlier this academic year.

“This means a lot to me, and I think being recognized in this way shows that Arcadia is really going places in terms of athletics and academics,” said Shotwell, reflecting on her latest accomplishment. “It was the perfect way to end my time here.”

“Jess was a captain and team leader both on and off the field, and she worked extremely hard while successfully balancing her academic and athletic commitments,” said head softball coach Sarah Norris. “Being able to successfully master the juggling act of a student-athlete is a testament to her organization, work ethic, and dedication.”

A psychology major with a 3.60 cumulative grade point average, Shotwell started in each of her 30 games played this season on her way to earning Second-Team All-Commonwealth Conference honors, the first of her collegiate career. She also was named to the Capital One Academic All-District teams for the first time this season.

Shotwell had a career-year in her final season at Arcadia, registering a career-best .431 batting average with career-high totals of 44 hits and 33 runs scored. She led the team in and ranked second in the conference in batting average, while her 44 hits were second-most on the team and ranked her seventh in the conference.

For her career, Shotwell started in all but one of her 72 games played, posting a .347 batting average with totals of 82 hits, 67 runs scored, and 32 stolen bases.

“A model student-athlete on and off the field, Jess has made the most of her time at the university—excelling academically and athletically,” said Director of Athletics Brian Granata. “We are thrilled for Jess to end her career with this prestigious honor and are very proud of all her accomplishments. She has been an excellent leader within the softball program and will continue to make us proud as she pursues her doctorate.”