LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced Monday that UIndy freshman Kenzee Smith was among its 2021 Schutt Sports/NFCA Division II National Player and Pitcher of the Year Top 30. The Greyhounds' rookie pitching sensation was one of only four freshmen on the prestigious annual list.
 
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 25.
 
The Top 10 finalists, consisting of players and pitchers, will be announced on May 18, with the 2021 Schutt Sports/NFCA Division II National Player and Pitcher of the Year revealed on June 3.
 
In just her first collegiate season, Smith has blossomed into one the best pitchers in the country. The hometown product and Decatur Central grad ranks in the top 20 in Division II in a number of categories, including wins, ERA, complete games and hits allowed per seven innings. She has helped pitch the Greyhounds to a GLVC regular season title and No. 1 seed in the upcoming conference tournament.