From Rolltide publication. Post date: 10/11/2016 10:42:00 AM 

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – As the Bama Softball Walk-Off Club is in the midst of its fall slate of Alabama softball games, the group has announced its most significant contribution yet: a $35,000 endowed softball scholarship in its name.

"Our booster club has done incredible things over the years for our program, but this might top them all," head coach Patrick Murphy said. "This is a huge step in the club's progress of raising funds to help our program. Thank you to everyone involved in the club, past and present, who has donated time, money and effort to help build Crimson Tide softball to what it is today."

The Bama Softball Walk-Off Club's mission is to foster and promote women's softball, including The University of Alabama, in national and international amateur sports competition and to conduct fundraising activities to generate funds to help accomplish that mission. As of last year, the club increased its membership to more than 350 and has sponsored a number of fundraising activities, including the Tide's fall softball games and the annual Trivia & Games Night.

"Our Board of Directors and club members understand that college can place a tremendous financial strain on both the student-athlete and their family," club president Suzanne Sentell said. "We believe finances should never stand in the way of a student reaching their goals, so we are proud to support the Alabama softball program with a $35,000 endowed scholarship. We are encouraged by the sustained academic success of the program's student-athletes and we expect to continue to serve the program in years to come."

Alabama ranked No. 11 on the 2015-16 Easton/NFCA All-Academic team list with a 3.547 team grade point average. The ranking was the highest of any Southeastern Conference team and any of the 64 teams that made last year's NCAA Tournament. All 18 members of last year's team were named Academic All-SEC or First Year Academic Honor Roll, including Academic All-Americans Haylie McCleney and Sydney Littlejohn.