LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The awards keep rolling in for UIndy softball student-athlete Kenzee Smith. Her spectacular (and still ongoing) rookie campaign has netted her a finalist nod for the 2021 Schutt Sports / NFCA Division II National Freshman of the Year award, as announced by the association on Wednesday.
 
Smith is the Midwest nominee for the honor, joining one freshman from each of country seven other regions. A graduate of local Decatur Central High School, Smith ranks highly in the nation in a number of statistical categories heading into regionals, including victories (ninth), hits allowed per game (11th), complete games (12th), ERA (14th) and strikeouts (25th).
 
The announcement adds to a growing trophy case for the freshman phenom. Her other accolades to date include GLVC Freshman of the Year, All-GLVC First Team, All-Midwest First Team and Schutt Sports/NFCA Division II National Player and Pitcher of the Year top 15.
 
 
2021 Schutt Sports/NFCA DII National Freshman of the Year Finalists
Atlantic – Brianna Hughes, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Central – Torri Chute, Augustana University
East – Alyssa Herrera, Georgian Court University
Midwest – Kenzee Smith, University of Indianapolis
South – Ali Shenefield, Rollins College
South Central – Shelby Robb, Metropolitan State University of Denver
Southeast – Caitlyn Canady, Columbus State University
West – Sidney Booth, Northwest Nazarene University