It's no secret that Chico State righthander Brooke Larsen ranks as one of the top pitchers in all of Division II softball. She's put up amazing numbers in her two seasons as a Wildcat, winning 29 games while tossing 12 shutouts and a pair of no-hitters. But Larsen is also regarded as one of the nation's top student-athletes, as evidenced by her inclusion Thursday on the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) 2020 Academic All-District Softball Team.
 
"I'm actually very surprised, but certainly honored," Larsen said after learning of winning the award. "It makes me happy to be able to represent my team on the field and in the classroom. It's difficult sometimes to balance playing softball and concentrate on my course work, but I like my classes and enjoy doing the work."
 
A media arts and technology major, Larsen is one of 96 Division II softball players receiving the annual award, as determined by voting of CoSIDA membership. She is now eligible for CoSIDA Academic All-America status, with the honorees announced on June 10.
 
"Brooke exemplifies what it means to be a student-athlete," Chico State head coach Angel Shamblin said following Thursday's announcement. "Her accolades on and off the field speak for themselves. I am very proud of her and am looking forward to everything she has ahead of her in her Wildcat career."
 
Larsen also has two California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) All-Academic honors on her resume.
 
The Sacramento product finished the abbreviated 2020 season with a 9-2 record, a 0.99 earned run average, and 72 strikeouts. Larsen tossed back-to-back no-hitters February 28–29 against Cal State East Bay that highlighted an impressive string of 18 consecutive no-hit innings. She tied for the CCAA lead with five shutouts, was second in strikeouts and opponent batting average (.171), and ranked in the conference's top five in wins and complete games (9).