Bucknell University Athletics
Two Bison Land on Academic All-Patriot League Team
5/6/2026 3:00:00 PM | Softball
LEWISBURG, Pa.- Bucknell Softball continued its program tradition of merging academic and athletic success by landing two exceptional scholar-athletes, Brooke Popella and Haley Speicher, on the Patriot League Academic All-League Team, as announced Wednesday by the conference office. The team has placed, at least, one athlete on the team since 2011.Â
"Brooke Popella and Haley Speicher truly represent the very best of what it means to be a student-athlete," said head coach Angie Stackhouse '04. "Their commitment to excellence in the classroom matches the intensity and passion they bring to the field every day. They are leaders in every sense -setting the standard for their teammates through their work ethic, character, and consistency. This recognition is a reflection of who they are at their core, and there's no doubt they're are destined for greatness far beyond the ball field."
Popella, an Early Childhood Education major owning a 3.81 GPA, earned her first selection after a banner year where the junior shortstop delivered 17 doubles - second highest in the conference - and sits tenth nationally in doubles per game (.39). Her 17 doubles rank third in Bucknell single season history and her 33 career doubles are two away from entering the Bison top-ten list.Â
Speicher, a Business Analytics major with a sizzling 3.96 GPA, repeats as an honoree, marking the third straight season that a Bison athlete has done. Former teammates Zoie Smith (2023 & 2024) and Madison Roukey (2024 & 2025) were the last to duplicate the laurel. Speicher led the Bison in batting average (.321) for the second straight season - the first Bison since Smith (2023 & 2024) to pace the Orange & Blue. The slapper concluded her career with a .294 batting average, 99 runs, 145 hits, eight doubles, nine triples, and 21 stolen bases. Her 99 runs are eighth in Bucknell history.Â
Bucknell Softball returns in 2027, seeking a return to the Patriot League Tournament after narrowly missing a bid this season.Â
Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year- Kasey Ricard, Boston University
Academic All-League Team
Breanna Coonfare, Army West Point
Katelyn Flanders, Army West Point
Megan Coyle, Boston University
Kylie Doherty, Boston University
Haley Ganino, Boston University
Kasey Ricard, Boston University
Brooke Popella, Bucknell
Haley Speicher, Bucknell
Lily Haluska, Colgate
Ali Sniegocki, Holy Cross
Kylee Sweet, Lafayette
Holly Lovett, Lehigh
Peyton Sward, Lehigh
*Added member due to tie in the votingÂ
"Brooke Popella and Haley Speicher truly represent the very best of what it means to be a student-athlete," said head coach Angie Stackhouse '04. "Their commitment to excellence in the classroom matches the intensity and passion they bring to the field every day. They are leaders in every sense -setting the standard for their teammates through their work ethic, character, and consistency. This recognition is a reflection of who they are at their core, and there's no doubt they're are destined for greatness far beyond the ball field."
Popella, an Early Childhood Education major owning a 3.81 GPA, earned her first selection after a banner year where the junior shortstop delivered 17 doubles - second highest in the conference - and sits tenth nationally in doubles per game (.39). Her 17 doubles rank third in Bucknell single season history and her 33 career doubles are two away from entering the Bison top-ten list.Â
Speicher, a Business Analytics major with a sizzling 3.96 GPA, repeats as an honoree, marking the third straight season that a Bison athlete has done. Former teammates Zoie Smith (2023 & 2024) and Madison Roukey (2024 & 2025) were the last to duplicate the laurel. Speicher led the Bison in batting average (.321) for the second straight season - the first Bison since Smith (2023 & 2024) to pace the Orange & Blue. The slapper concluded her career with a .294 batting average, 99 runs, 145 hits, eight doubles, nine triples, and 21 stolen bases. Her 99 runs are eighth in Bucknell history.Â
Bucknell Softball returns in 2027, seeking a return to the Patriot League Tournament after narrowly missing a bid this season.Â
Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year- Kasey Ricard, Boston University
Academic All-League Team
Breanna Coonfare, Army West Point
Katelyn Flanders, Army West Point
Megan Coyle, Boston University
Kylie Doherty, Boston University
Haley Ganino, Boston University
Kasey Ricard, Boston University
Brooke Popella, Bucknell
Haley Speicher, Bucknell
Lily Haluska, Colgate
Ali Sniegocki, Holy Cross
Kylee Sweet, Lafayette
Holly Lovett, Lehigh
Peyton Sward, Lehigh
*Added member due to tie in the votingÂ
Players Mentioned
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