Smeltzer named to Tucci/NFCA DII Player of the Year watchlist
LOUISVILLE, Ky. --- Claire Smeltzer of Tusculum University softball has been named to the 2024 Tucci/NFCA Division II Player and Pitcher of Claire Smeltzer of Tusculum University softball has been named to the 2024 Tucci/NFCA Division II Player and Pitcher of the Year watchlist. This is the first time in program history the senior outfielder has been included in this elite lineup. The list, which includes over 120 student-athletes from across the country, includes 85 programs from 21 different conferences. Smeltz has led the Pioneers in nearly every offensive category this season, with a team-best 45 hits, 10 doubles, and 38 runs batted in. The winners will be announced on May 27 following the NCAA Division II National Championships.
Published : 4 weeks ago by Brian Stayton in
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Claire Smeltzer of Tusculum University softball has been named to the 2024 Tucci/NFCA Division II Player and Pitcher of the Year watchlist. The senior outfielder is the first in program history to be named to this elite lineup.
One hundred and twenty (120) student-athletes from across the country were among the list, broken down into the eight NCAA Regions (Atlantic, Central, East, Midwest, South, South Central, Southeast and West), with up to 15 student-athletes represented in each region. The list is compiled by the elected members of the NFCA Division II All-American Committee with one head coach representing each of the eight NCAA regions. In all, the group consists of 85 programs from 21 different conferences.
Smeltzer, a native of Smithfield, Virginia, is having a remarkable final year, leading the Pioneers in nearly every offensive category. She is averaging .429 with a .488 on-base percentage and slugging .762. The lefty has a team-best 45 hits, 10 doubles, and 38 runs batted in, while adding 25 runs, two triples, seven home runs, 13 walks, and three steals. Smeltzer is also credited with two sacrifice flies. Defensively, she has four outfield assists and has been a factor in two double plays.
With her stellar senior season, Smeltzer has jumped into the top-15 in program history in batting average (.349), doubles (39), home runs (14), RBI (102), total bases (247), slugging percentage (.539), and on-base percentage (.412).
Voted on by the NFCA’s Division II All-American Committee, the 2024 Tucci/NFCA Player and Pitcher of the Year winners will be announced on May 27 following the conclusion of the NCAA Division II National Championships. All student-athletes are eligible for the end-of-the-season award and do not have to be on this list to be considered.
The Player of the Year award was created in 2015 to honor the outstanding athletic achievements among softball student-athletes throughout NCAA Division II. In 2019, the Association expanded the award to include a Player and Pitcher of the Year.