MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — The NEWMAC has released their postseason awards for the 2025 softball season, and the Coast Guard Academy is represented by a player on each of the two All-Conference teams via sophomore Abriana Schmutz (Marysville, Ohio) and junior Dana Walker (Macon, Ga.).

Schmutz was a First Team selection in the outfield after a breakout second-year campaign. A constant presence at the top of the lineup this season, Schmutz's led the Bears in batting average (.387), hits (46), and on-base percentage (.443).

Her marks in all three stats were the highest by a Coast Guard softball player since Christine Carey (Class of 2024) in 2023 (.413 AVG, 57 H, .464 OB%). Schmutz increased her average by .135 points from her 2024 mark and her OBP by .154 points.

"Abri had a stellar sophomore season — she exudes grit and passion for the game," says Bears softball head coach Arielle Porter. "Offensively, she played with confidence and was one of our top contributors. I'm eager to see what she'll accomplish in her next two years on the field."

As for Walker, a return to form in the midst of a loaded conference pitching scene put her on Second Team. The Bears ace led the league in innings pitched (165.2), complete games (22), and strikeouts (152) while tallying the fourth-most wins  (14) and compiling the sixth-best earned run average (1.90) and fifth-best opposing batting average (.225).

Her strikeout total was the ninth-most in program history, while her strikeouts per seven (6.41) was eighth-best. The All-Conference nod is Walker's second of her career, as she was a First Team pick as a freshman.

"I'm so proud of Dana and the confidence she showed on the mound this season. She pushed herself throughout the fall and preseason to be the best she could be," says Porter. Watching her compete and reach 300 strikeouts was an incredible accomplishment. I'm excited to see what she brings in her final season as a Bear."