GREENWOOD, Ind. - Colorado State University Pueblo softball standout McKenna James (Windsor, Colo.) has added another prestigous honor to her decorated career as she has been selected as a College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-American, recognizing her outstanding achievements both in the classroom and on the field. James maintained a 3.93 cumulative GPA as a Marketing major while establishing herself as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in program history.

The Academic All-America program, selected by College Sports Communicators, honors the nation's top student-athletes for their combined excellence in academics and athletics and is regarded as one of the most prestigous academic honors in collegiate athletics.

James becomes one of the latest ThunderWolves to earn CSC Academic All-America recognition after first earning CSC Academic All-District honors and advancing to the national ballot.

On the field, James concluded a remarkable senior campaign by helping lead the ThunderWolves to one of the most successful seasons in school history. The senior right-hander was named the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year and First Team All-RMAC after posting a dominant 2026 season both in the circle and at the plate.

She ends her Pack career in the top ranks of several categories including second all-time in strikeouts (328) and appearances (100). She sits third all-time in wins (41), innings pitched (523.1) and is fourth in complete games (55). Her 3.47 career ERA is eighth all-time at CSU Pueblo.

James played a pivotal role in CSU Pueblo's historic RMAC Tournament Championship run, earning tournament victories throughout the weekend before helping the Pack capture their first conference tournament title since 2001.

Throughout her career, James established herself as one of the premier two-way players in the South Central Region. In addition to her RMAC Pitcher of the Year accolade, she earned multiple RMAC Pitcher of the Week honors, First Team All-RMAC recognition, RMAC All-Academic First Team honors twice, and postseason regional recognition.

The ThunderWolves finished the 2026 season with a 40-18 overall record, won the RMAC Tournament Championship and advanced to their third NCAA Tournament in program history.