By: David Cataloni

BOSTON, MA (June 17, 2025) – Graduate ace Bri Melchionda (Marshfield, Mass.) has added one more historic accolade to her incredible UMass Boston career. Following a Little East Conference Championship and recognition as a National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-American, Melchionda has now been named to the 2025 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America Third Team—becoming the first student-athlete in UMass Boston softball history to earn the honor.

The CSC Academic All-America Program celebrates student-athletes who exemplify excellence both athletically and academically. Nominees must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 and distinguish themselves in competition.

Melchionda was the only Beacon eligible for Academic All-America consideration following the release of the Academic All-District honorees, which included teammates Jacqueline Cherry (Franklin, Mass.), Lauren Miner (Millbury, Mas.), Ella Delisle (Amesbury, Mass.), and Hayley Krockta (Taunton, Mass.). Her standout 2025 season elevated her into a national spotlight and ultimately onto the All-America list.

At the plate, Melchionda led the Beacons' offense with 49 hits in 116 at-bats (.422 AVG), tallying 14 doubles, one triple, one home run, 68 total bases, and 28 RBIs. She struck out just eight times and walked 10. On March 16 vs. Oswego, she set a new program record with 15 strikeouts in a single game. She also notched a season-high four hits, including two doubles, against Keene State on April 22 and posted three-hit games on five occasions.

A cornerstone of the program over the past four seasons, Melchionda has helped elevate Beacons softball to new heights. Across 145 career games, she posted a .368 batting average, .556 slugging percentage, and .417 on-base percentage—cementing her legacy as one of the Little East Conference's most reliable and impactful two-way players in recent history.

Congratulations to #12 on a historic achievement, setting the standard for excellence both on the field and in the classroom. As the first Academic All-American in program history, Bri Melchionda leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future Beacons for years to come.

Best of luck in your post-graduate journey, Bri. You've done more than just left your mark.

—FOR THE TIMES—