Top 10 Finalists Announced for the Inaugural Schutt Sports/NFCA Division II National Freshman of the Year Award

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association is pleased to announce the top 10 finalists for the inaugural Schutt Sports/NFCA Division II National Freshman of the Year trophy, which will be presented prior to the start of the 2015 NCAA Division II National Championship in Oklahoma City, Okla.

Behind the collaboration between the NFCA, Schutt Sports and its Division II Head Coaches Committee, the award was created to honor the outstanding athletic achievement among freshmen softball student-athletes throughout Division II.

This year’s 10 finalists hail from nine different universities, while the group represents seven Division II leagues. Minnesota Duluth has two finalists with the Lone Star Conference, Heartland Conference and Northern Sun each boasting two representatives. The PacWest, South Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, Southern Atlantic Conference and the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association each had one finalist. 

The top 3 finalists will be selected and released on Thurs., May 14. The inaugural Schutt Sports/NFCA Division II National Freshman of the Year trophy will be presented during a live ceremony on Wednesday, May 20 prior to the opening of the Division II National Championship, which is being held in Oklahoma City, Okla. for the first time. 

Schutt Sports/NFCA Division II National Freshman of the Year – Top 10 Finalists

Janessa Bassett – Dixie State – Outfield

Sydney Beuthien – Lubbock Christian – Infield / Outfield

Carmen Byrd – Spring Hill College – Second Base

Morgan Dufour – St. Edwards – 3B/SS/C

Brandy Marlett – Angelo State – Pitcher

Cailah Niles – Anderson (S.C.) – Catcher

Emmie Robertson-  Pittsburg State – Pitcher

Hannah Schmoll – Minnesota Duluth – Outfield

Allie Smith – West Texas A&M – Designated Player

Becky Smith – Minnesota Duluth – Shortstop