KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced the 2024 Softball All-America teams as selected by the NAIA-Softball Coaches' Association All-America Committee. Marian softball was well represented on the teams, as three players were named 2024 All-Americans, which was the most in the Crossroads League.

Marian's NAIA All-Americans in 2024 were Savannah Harweger, Abby Madere, and Olivia Stunkel. Harweger and Madere were both named to the All-America First Team list, giving Marian the most First Team All-Americans in the NAIA, while Olivia Stunkel was named to the Second Team All-American list. Only two other schools put multiple players on the All-America First Team, being Science and Arts of Oklahoma and Oklahoma City. 

For the second year in a row, shortstop Savannah Harweger has been named to the NAIA All-American First Team. The fifth-year senior was named to the Crossroads League First Team and Gold Glove Team for a fourth consecutive season, and last week was named to the NFCA Region VI First Team for a second consecutive season. Harweger ended her career as Marian's all-time leader in batting average, on-base percentage, stolen bases, hits, runs scored, at-bats, and assists, while setting single season marks for runs scored and stolen bases this year. The shortstop led the team with a .475 batting average this year, recording 94 hits and 53 RBI from her lead-off position. The shortstop belted four home runs in addition to a combined nine doubles and triples, and posted a slugging percentage of .601.

Abby Madere had a breakout sophomore season, as the right fielder was named to the NAIA All-American First Team as an at-large position player. Madere's first All-American honor comes on the heels of a season where she was named First Team All-Crossroads League and NFCA Region VI, and featured a school-record 23 doubles hit this season. Madere posted a batting average of .400 on the season, and recorded 75 RBI, which was second-most in the NAIA this season, only one behind NAIA Player of the Year Sarah Giles of Jessup (Calif.). Marian's top-hitting outfielder ended the season with 80 base hits and five home runs, posting a team-best .610 slugging percentage.

Olivia Stunkel was named to the NAIA All-American Second Team in 2024, marking the second consecutive season the Knights ace pitcher earned second team honors. Stunkel was the Crossroads League Pitcher of the Year in 2024 for a third consecutive year, and led Marian in all pitching categories, as she held a record of 27-3. Stunkel carried a 1.67 ERA, and appeared in 32 games, tossing 15 complete games and 11 shutouts. The junior recorded one save in two relief appearances, and threw 176 innings, striking out 138 victims. 

Marian finished the 2024 season in the NAIA Opening Round Championship game, ending their campaign with a 46-12 overall record and two Crossroads League Championships, winning both the regular season and tournament titles. 

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