LOUISVILLE, Ky. | University of North Georgia softball players
Kim McMillan and
Courtney Poole have both been named to the Nation Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Schutt Sports National Player of the Year Top-25 list. Only players on the Top-25 list are eligible to become Top-10 finalists and ultimately win the award. The Top-10 list will be announced on Thurs., April 30.
McMillan has been a force to be reckoned with at the plate this season. The senior first baseman ranks in the top-20 in the nation in six statistical categories: batting average (17th), home runs per game (16th), home runs (8th), on-base percentage (5th), slugging percentage (8th) and walks (12th).
After an All-American performance last season, Poole has earned a reputation as being one of the toughest pitchers to face in the nation this year. The Watkinsville, Ga., native has the most victories of any pitcher in the NCAA this year, regardless of division, at 27, while only allowing one loss. The junior ace also ranks fourth nationally in earned run average (0.85), third in shutouts (9) and sixth in strikeouts (204).
The two Nighthawks were the only players from the Peach Belt Conference to earn a spot on the list and were the only players from the DII Southeast Region to make the list.
Top-ranked Valdosta State led the way with three players named to the Top-25 list, while North Georgia and Augustana (S.D.) were the only other programs to land multiple players on the list with two each.
After the Top-10 list is announced at the end of the month, the NPOY Committee will vote on three finalists, which will be announced two weeks later on May 14. Voting for the Schutt Sports National Player of the Year will take place after Super Regionals and will be announced the night prior to opening day at the NCAA Division II Championship in Oklahoma City.