BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Milly Martinet of Campbell University is one of 25 finalists chosen by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association for the inaugural NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year trophy. The award will be presented prior to the start of the 2014 NCAA Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City, Okla.
A native of Loma Linda, Calif. And graduate of Redlands High School, Martinet entered Tuesday's doubleheader against UNC Wilmington ranked 10th in the nation with 15 home runs, 29th in home runs per game (0.31) and 49th in sacrifice flies (3). She stands second among Big South Conference leaders in homers, RBI (43) and total bases (96) while batting .324.
"We're really excited about the year that Milly's having," said Campbell head coach Drew Peterson. "She's one of several players that have had some high moments. She's part of a team, but we're excited about the numbers she's put up have given her and the University this type of recognition. We're looking forward to what happens."
Martinet has twice clubbed two home runs and driven in a season-high four RBI in a game – in a 9-3 win Mar. 11 at North Carolina and in a 9-8 victory three days later at Big South rival Liberty. She has compiled 13 multi-hit games while driving in multiple runs on 12 occasions. She was named Big South player of the week Mar. 17.
With the Association always searching for innovative ways to promote the sport of softball, the NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year award was created from an idea to honor outstanding athletic achievement among freshmen softball student-athletes throughout Division I.
Each of this year's 25 finalists hails from a different university while the group represents 11 Division I leagues across the nation. Both the Southeastern Conference and the Pac-12 picked up the most overall selections with six each, while the Big West garnered three inclusions and the Big Ten and the Atlantic Coast tied with two each. The American Athletic, Big 12, Sun Belt, Big South, Atlantic Sun and Conference USA all reaped one nod.
On Thurs., May 8, the list will be trimmed down to the top 10 finalists, while the top 3 finalists will be selected and released on Thurs., May 22. The inaugural NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year trophy will be presented during a live ceremony on May 27 prior to the opening of the annual Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City, Okla.
About the NFCA
The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) is the professional growth organization for fastpitch softball coaches for all competitive levels of play. Founded in the early 1980s by collegiate softball coaches, today the organization also includes high school coaches, travel ball/club coaches and individuals who support the sport. Founded by coaches for coaches, the Association is built on strong values and continually instills within its members a deep sense of responsibility for developing programs that enrich the lives of all those involved.
In addition, the Association provides educational training; encourages sportsmanship and high standards of competition; promotes the sport both nationally and internationally; identifies and pursues issues relevant to the fastpitch coaching profession and provides a forum to discuss those issues; honors excellence through awards programs for coaches and players, and keeps members informed of current coaching techniques, equipment innovations and fastpitch news.
NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year – Top 25 Finalists
Ali Aguilar – SS/2B – Washington
Annie Aldrete – DP/C – Tennessee
Maryssa Becker – P/1B – Louisville
Megan Betsa – P – Michigan
Nickie Blue – P – South Carolina
Jessica Burroughs – P – Florida State
Kristen Clark – OF – UCSB
Kasey Cooper – 3B – Auburn
Baylee Corbello – P/UTL – LSU
Tiarra Davis – P/UTL – Texas
Tori Finucane – P – Missouri
Hannah Flippen – 2B – Utah
Taylor Glover – CF/1B – Cal State Northridge
Chelsea Gonzales – 2B/DP – Arizona State
Sara Groenewegen – P/IF – Minnesota
Haley Hayden – OF – Louisiana-Lafayette
Sierra Hyland – P/DP – Cal Poly
Milly Martinet – RF – Campbell
Katiyana Mauga – RF – Arizona
Jill Roye – 1B/DP – Tulsa
Caroline Seitz – 3B – Mississippi State
Lexi Shubert – P – USC Upstate
Kylie Sorenson – SS/3B/P – Stanford
Delaney Spaulding – SS – UCLA
Karley Wester – OF – Notre Dame
