WAUKESHA, Wis. — Carroll University women's basketball senior Natalie Gricius (Oconomowoc, Wis.) has made history, becoming the first student-athlete in Carroll Athletics history to be named an Academic All-America® Team Member of the Year, as announced by College Sports Communicators (CSC).

Gricius earned the Division III Academic All-America® Team Member of the Year honor following a historic season that combined elite academic achievement with one of the most dominant performances in program history on the court.

A nursing major with a 3.98 GPA, Gricius exemplified excellence in the classroom while leading the Pioneers to a CCIW regular-season championship and a 23–6 overall record. She was named the CCIW Player of the Year and became the first WBCA All-American in Carroll women's basketball history, marking a breakthrough season for the program at the national level.

Gricius also earned D3hoops.com First Team All-America honors after setting the single-season program scoring record with 639 points. She averaged 22.8 points per game, ranking third nationally in NCAA Division III, while shooting 55.6 percent from the field, which ranked 14th in the nation.

Over the course of the season, Gricius scored in double figures in 27 of 28 games, eclipsed the 20-point mark 20 times, and consistently served as the focal point of Carroll's offense. Additionally, she acheived marks of 1500 points and 500 rebounds for her career, making her only the third Pioneer to reach both milestones for their career. Her impact extended beyond the stat sheet, as she helped elevate the Pioneers to one of the most successful seasons in program history.

In addition to her national academic and athletic accolades, Gricius was selected to compete in the Women's Collegiate All-Star Game and was named a finalist for the Jostens Trophy, further cementing her place among the top student-athletes in Division III. 

Gricius' recognition highlights the rare balance of academic excellence and competitive dominance, exemplifying the ideal of the true student-athlete. Her historic honor serves as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through dedication, discipline, and commitment in every area of collegiate athletics.