Anderson, Carcioppolo, Dems, and Smith Secure CSC Academic All-District Honors

5/26/2026 12:00:00 PM | By: Joe Ginley '16, SID

The four Blue Streaks stood as stalwarts on the diamond and in the classroom

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – A talented quartet have garnered honors after a strong season on and off the diamond.

John Carroll Softball tallied four student-athletes to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.

Jordan Anderson, Bella Carcioppolo, Kristin Dems, and Melissa Smith all made the grade. Smith is the lone repeat honoree.

Jordan Anderson proved to be an incredible addition to the Blue Streaks for the 2026 season. The graduate student, a transfer from George Mason, immediately starred for John Carroll as both a pitcher and a hitter. The Alliance native evolved into one of the team's top players in the circle, registering a 2.56 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 54.2 innings pitched. At the dish, the star accumulated a remarkable .436 batting average with 18 extrabase hits (8 homers) and 44 RBIs. Anderson adds this accolade to her First Team All-NCAC and Third Team NFCA All-Region awards. She is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Bella Carcioppolo played a key role in the outfield for John Carroll this season. An ever-reliable centerfielder, the Mentor native also hit well in the backend of the lineup, starting all 33 games. The senior hit for a .258 average with 9 RBIs and 9 walks, plus 12 stolen bases. The star student completed her degree in Marketing earlier in May.

Kristin Dems stood as one of the team's top starters this season. The junior enjoyed a brilliant start to the season, earning NCAC Pitcher of the Week honors on March 10 after an outstanding Florida trip. Dems became JCU's first pitcher of the week honored since 2018. Dems finished second on the team with 68.1 innings pitched. The Mentor native is majoring in Accountancy.

Melissa Smith becomes a three-time honoree from the CSC, also winning Academic All-District recognition in 2025 and 2024. The veteran catcher stood as a steady backstop for the Blue Streaks from day one. The Williamsville, New York native anchored the middle of the order and mentored the pitching staff with a composed, determined attitude all the way. As for this season, Smith appeared in all 33 games, hitting for a .281 average with an impressive 8 homers and 19 RBIs. Behind the dish, Smith caught 7 runners stealing and only committed 3 errors in 33 games as the team's primary catcher. She walked the stage a couple weeks ago with her degree in Finance.

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The four Blue Streaks stood as stalwarts on the diamond and in the classroom

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