LOUISVILLE, Ky. – UIndy softball student-athlete Kenzee Smith was one of just 15 players selected Tuesday as finalists for the 2021 Schutt Sports/NFCA Division II National Player and Pitcher of the Year Awards.

A graduate of local Decatur Central High School, Smith ranks highly in the nation in a number of statistical categories, including victories (ninth), hits allowed per game (11th), complete games (12th), ERA (14th) and strikeouts (25th).
 
The newly-named GLVC Freshman of the Year and All-Midwest First Team honoree is one of only two rookies on the NFCA's 15-woman list (see below). She is also the first Greyhound to be named an NFCA Player/Pitcher of the Year finalist since all-time great Morgan Foley in 2016.
 
The 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. To be eligible, student-athletes must be nominated by their member head coach.

With the cancellation of last year's season due to COVID-19 and a higher percentage of eligible candidates, an additional five players have been added to the traditional top 10. The NFCA Division II All-America Committee will be announce the winners on June 3.
 

2021 SCHUTT SPORTS/NFCA DII PLAYER & PITCHER OF THE YEAR TOP 15
Tatum Brummitt, Senior, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Bailey Byers, Senior, Malone University
Hannah Rose Corbin, Sophomore, Columbus State University
Kendall Cornick, Senior, Augustana University
Sydni Hawkins, Junior, Missouri Western State University
Alyssa Herrera, Freshman, Georgian Court University
Hannah Marsteller, Sophomore, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
Shanna McBroom, Graduate, West Texas A&M University
Nicole Pennington, Junior, Valdosta State University
Morgan Perry, Senior, Saint Anselm College
Ellie Smith, Sophomore, Colorado Mesa University
Kenzee Smith, Freshman, University of Indianapolis
Kylee Smith, Senior, University of North Georgia
Mackenzie Ward, Junior, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Faith Willenbrock, Senior, Millersville University of Pennsylvania