The UT Martin softball team has the highest GPA among student-athletes at the university (3.79) with more than 50% of the team carrying a perfect 4.0.

For senior Dylan Scott and sophomore Addie Roberts, the academic success is due, in part, to competitiveness.

“I have more of a competitive nature in me,” Scott said. “If someone says they got this on a test … I better get a better grade. I know it just keeps me honest and better.”

Scott is currently pursuing a degree in health and human performance, while Roberts pursues veterinary science.

“I’m very competitive when it comes to my grades; it’s bad,” Roberts said. “I want to have the best grade. I want to brag about it to everybody I’m in class with.”

Scott and Roberts are no strangers to being recognized for academic success. Scott was named to the athletic director’s honor roll (Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025) and the OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2023-24 and 2024-25. Roberts was named to both the athletic director’s honor roll (Fall 2024 and Spring 2025) and the OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll in 2024-25. Both players have received academic OVC Medals of Honor.

Head Coach Chelsea Farmer said academics are very important to her and, therefore, to the team.

“Most of our athletes are not going to play professionally. So grades and your academic life are going to last a lot longer than your softball life. It’s important to me that our players understand that,” Farmer said. “When we’re looking at high school players, I’m wanting to find players that care about their grades. If you care about them, then you’re going to work hard on your own, then I don’t have to force you to work hard.”

When asked how she balanced both academics and athletics, Scott said she treats school like a career.

“I would say it’s like a job. You’re expected to do both. I really harp on being a student before being an athlete. You have to put in the work to be a student before you can put in the work outside of the classroom,” Scott said.

Her teammate, Roberts, was in full agreement with Scott. School is the priority.

“I’m always going to put being a student before being an athlete, because that will last longer than softball. As soon as I get done at practice, I’m going home and I’m studying. If I wake up before my alarm, I’m getting out my computer and I’m studying. In between classes, or if I get to practice a little bit early, I’m getting out my laptop and I’m studying. My life is just softball and school,” Roberts said.

Scott, a utility player, totaled a .266 batting average for the 2025 season with 15 runs, 13 singles, four doubles, one triple and nine RBIs. She also had the longest hitting streak of the season with a seven-game streak. Roberts played eight games for UT Martin last season and recorded her first collegiate hit, a triple against Delaware State.

The importance of establishing a routine and finding rhythm as a student athlete is vital. Both Scott and Roberts agree it is necessary for success.

“Figure out a schedule, figure out what you like in life. It’s hard because softball’s been your life forever, so when you get to college you have to ask yourself what do you want in life after softball. Once you find your passion, definitely go into whatever major … If you have a passion for what you do, it becomes easier to enjoy learning about it,” Scott said.

Scott said it is important to choose a degree you have high interest in as it only makes life easier.

“Don’t come into college not knowing what you want to do and picking a major you’re not interested in; being a science major is something I really enjoy,” Roberts said.

Their coach is of the same mind.

“At the end of the day, you have to have a desire to get better at whatever you’re doing if you want to be successful, and grades are just another part of that,” Farmer said.

Farmer herself is a UTM alum, pitching from 2009-12. She became a pitching coach in 2020 and contributed to the program’s success, with the Skyhawks producing a record of 126-94 (61-45 in OVC play) since she joined the staff. She was named head coach in 2024 and led the team to an impressive 30-win season, the second most victories in the OVC.

The Skyhawks will take flight to Florida for the 2026 Frank Griffin Classic on Feb. 6 for a doubleheader against Indiana State and Stetson.