Bachkora Dixon earn academic recognition

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – University of Arkansas softball student-athletes Jessica Bachkora and Miranda Dixon have been named to the 2009 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District first team, it was announced Thursday. They represent two of the 12 student-athletes chosen from District 6 for their achievements in the classroom. To be available for selection, nominees must carry a 3.30 cumulative grade point average.

Bachkora owns a 3.96 GPA as a kinesiology major. This is the second selection for Bachkora, who was previously a member of the 2008 District 6 ESPN The Magazine Academic second team. The Overland Park, Kan., native was one of 10 Razorbacks chosen as a National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) scholar-athlete for the 2007-08 season.

The junior outfielder has totaled career highs during the 2009 season with five home runs and 26 RBI. Bachkora is tied for the team lead with 32 runs scored and is tops on the club with 18 stolen bases. As the Razorbacks’ leadoff hitter this season, Bachkora is tied for seventh in the Southeastern Conference with 12 doubles, also a career high. This season, she has moved into third place on Arkansas’ all-time runs scored list.

Dixon repeats as a member of the District 6 first team. As a health science major, Dixon carries a 3.52 GPA. Like Bachkora, she was named a 2007-08 NFCA scholar-athlete.

As a dual threat for the Razorbacks this season, Dixon leads the team with 11 home runs, 40 RBI and a 17-12 record in the circle. Earlier this season, she became Arkansas’ all-time home run leader and recently became the first player in program history with consecutive seasons of double-digit home run totals. Dixon is also the Razorback softball player with 40 or more RBI in back-to-back seasons. She was named the SEC Pitcher of the Week (March 23) for the second time of her career.

Bachkora and Dixon, as members of the all-district first team, are now up for Academic All-America honors. As a team, the Razorbacks await their postseason fate with the NCAA Tournament selections scheduled to be announced later this weekend. The 2009 Division I Softball Selection Show will air Sunday, May 10, at 9:30 p.m. (CT) on ESPNU. Check local listings for channel availability. Visit ArkansaRazorbacks.com for more information.