Three Central Methodist softball players were named National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-Americans last Wednesday in an announcement made by the NAIA office.

Sophomore Madison White landed on the first team, while senior Keighlan Cronin earned second-team honors. Freshman Mikayla Johnico earned an honorable mention nod. 

White earned the first-team All-American nod for the first time in her career after being named the Heart of America Athletic Conference player-of-the-Year for the 2022 season. White led the Eagles in six offensive categories this season, including home runs (15), doubles (16), hits (67), RBI (51), batting average (.438), and slugging percentage (.837). She was also named Heart Player of the Week on April 18 after recording a .632 batting average, with 10 RBI, four doubles, and three home runs.

White was also named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Associations Region V first team. She joins Kelli Gorman (2021 and 2019), Hannah Steeby (2018), Michele Rupard (2014), and Aubrey Utley (2014) as only the sixth first-team All-American in program history. 

This past season marks the second year in a row for Cronin on the NAIA second team. The senior pitcher served as Central’s ace in 2022, tallying a 22-4 overall record, including 21 complete games. Through 168.1 innings of work, the native of St. Charles racked up 194 strikeouts, and a 1.33 earned run average. In addition, she tossed a perfect game against No. 24 Central Baptist College on February 12. 

Cronin graduated as the career record holder in strikeouts (615), a two-time NFCA Region V First Team honoree, a three-time Heart First Team All-Conference selection, and the 2021 Heart Pitcher of the Year. 

Johnico had a remarkable freshman campaign, posting a perfect 16-0 record through 17 appearances. She finished the year with a 1.34 earned run average, including 170 strikeouts.

In addition, Johnico tossed three no-hitters and was twice named the Heart Pitcher of the Week. For her efforts, this past spring, the native of Topeka landed on the Heart All-Conference First Team and was named the Heart Freshman of the Year. In addition, Johnico was a finalist for the NFCA-NAIA Freshman of the Year award and joined White and Cronin on the NFCA Region V First Team.