NEWTOWN, Pa. - York College senior softball player Gretchen Barstad has been tabbed the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Softball Senior Scholar-Athlete as the conference announced their 2026 Spring MAC Senior Scholar-Athletes on Friday.

The MAC recognizes a senior student-athlete from each of the each of the 11 spring sports (baseball, men's and women's golf, men's and women's lacrosse, softball, men's and women's tennis, men's and women's outdoor track & field, and men's volleyball) were recognized for their strong academic and athletic prowess.

Barstad has been a catalyst for the Spartans' success on the diamond, helping lead York to a Commonwealth title and a berth in the NCAA postseason. An elite offensive threat, Barstad was the conference leader in both hits and runs during the 2024 season. Her consistent performance has earned her national and regional acclaim, including Second Team and Third Team NFCA All-Region honors. A perennial standout, she is a two-time First Team All-Conference selection, feared by pitchers for her ability to ignite the York offense from the top of the lineup.

Off the field, Barstad is an Elementary/Special Education major who has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to academic excellence. She has earned a spot on the Dean's List in seven different semesters and has been recognized as a two-time CSC Academic All-District honoree. Additionally, she is a two-time Academic All-MAC selection, proving her ability to balance the rigors of student-teaching and education coursework with the demands of being an All-Region athlete. 

The Spartan softball program has won the last two MAC Softball Senior Scholar-Athlete awards with Barstad joining Emma Wade from last year.