AUSTIN, Texas – Delaney Patella's decorated career at IUP added another honor Tuesday as the senior third baseman was named a College Sports Communicators Academic All-American.

Patella, a three-time CSC Academic All-District selection, combined excellence in the classroom with one of the most productive careers in program history. The Fashion Studies graduate maintained a 3.8 grade-point average while helping lead the Crimson Hawks to the PSAC semifinals in 2026.

A four-year standout, Patella finished her career as IUP's all-time home run leader with 35 long balls. The 2023 PSAC West Freshman of the Year was a three-time first-team All-PSAC selection and earned all-region honors in both 2024 and 2025.

Patella was one of five Crimson Hawks to receive CSC Academic All-District honors this season and one of 14 IUP softball players to post a perfect 4.0 GPA during the spring semester.

She concluded her career ranked among the top five in program history in nearly every offensive category, including batting average (.372), runs scored (185), doubles (44), home runs (35), runs batted in (153), total bases (343), slugging percentage (.701), walks (161) and games played (193).

Patella's senior season helped propel IUP to a 38-win campaign and a trip to the PSAC semifinals, tying the program record for victories in a season.