Southeast Missouri State's Montgomery, Dossey named to academic all-district team

Southeast Missouri State sophomore football player Bradley Montgomery and senior volleyball player Paige Dossey received first-team Capital One academic all-district honors Thursday.

Montgomery holds a perfect 4.0 grade point average in computer science. The cornerback has registered 32 tackles, one tackle for loss and one forced fumble while starting all nine games so far this season.

Dossey, second-team academic all-district last year, carries a perfect 4.0 GPA in exceptional child education. She is a three-time Southeast scholar athlete and a three-time recipient of the Ohio Valley Conference Medal of Honor.

Dossey has appeared in all 29 matches for the Redhawks so far this season. She ranks third on the team in digs with 275.

First-team academic all-district honorees will be placed on the Capital One academic all-America team ballot for possible selection later this month.

Softball

The Southeast softball program landed four players during the NCAA's early signing period that began Wednesday, including previously announced infielder Summer Burger from Notre Dame Regional High School.

Other signees are outfielder Kelsey Gass, catcher Chelsea Smith and infielder Tianna Stockley.

Smith and Stockley joined Burger in earning all-state honors at their respective Missouri high schools, while Gass was an all-American at Kankakee (Ill.) Community College.

Gass started every game at Kankakee as a sophomore, hitting .382 with 22 doubles, 12 home runs, 67 runs scored and 65 RBIs.  

Smith hit .391 with 15 doubles, five home runs and 31 RBIs as a senior at Webb City High School, where she helped lead the Cardinals to three third-place state finishes.

Stockley was a two-time all-state and all-region shortstop at Sullivan High School. She also saw action at second base and pitcher.

"This recruiting class brings a solid defensive presence to our team," Southeast coach Lana Richmond said in a release. "All four student-athletes are versatile and they have played at a high summer ball level. They are outstanding students who we expect to contribute right away. They love to compete and will come in eager to play."

Gymnastics

The Southeast gymnastics program signed two athletes this week, high school seniors Heyli Huiner from Winfield, Ill., and Taylor Penzien from Ray Township, Mich.

Both are Level 10 all-around competitors who achieved numerous accomplishments at the club level.

"I am extremely excited about the talent level we have recruited for this signing class," Southeast coach Kristi Ewasko said in a release. "Both Hayli and Taylor will be able to bring new skills to our lineups and continue to push our goal of reaching NCAA regionals while also maintaining high academic standards."

-- From staff reports