SSU WBOWL matches program record by putting six on NAIA Scholar-Athlete list

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The women's bowling program at Shawnee State continues to excel -- as the women's bowling squad at Shawnee State matched a program record by putting six individuals -- Cali Baird, Emma Billenstein, Brooklyn Foose, Morgan Higgins, McKenna Roades and Hannah Rearick -- on the NAIA Scholar-Athlete list, which was made public by NAIA National officials Wednesday morning.

Three individuals -- including Morgan Higgins, Brooklyn Foose and the recently graduated Hannah Rearick -- each obtained academic GPAs above 3.85, respectively, with Higgins (3.91) and Foose (3.9) heading the charge. Higgins, an occupational therapy assistant, has earned over 60 credit hours while Foose, a multi-sport athlete who plays for the women's tennis program and is a women's bowlers as well, has obtained over 120 hours of academic credit. Rearick graduated with her bachelor's degree in graphic design in December.

Roades, who holds a 3.79 GPA, obtained over 60 hours of academic credit in studio arts, while Baird, who has collected over 95 hours of academic credit and is a multi-sport athlete who also participates in women's golf, is a sociology major who has a 3.71 GPA.

Billenstein, who rounds out the group with a 3.66 GPA as a primary intervention specialist, has over 50 hours of academic credit on her line.

In addition to the above six individuals, freshman bowler Maria Mara currently has a 3.69 GPA in graphic design. Mara, who is a freshman, will be eligible for NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors in 2025-26, provided that Mara maintains a GPA above 3.5. To be eligible for NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors, a student-athlete must hold a GPA of 3.5 or above, be of sophomore or greater academic standing and have attended their current institution for at least one calendar year at the time of nomination.