2008 Iowa Softball Youth Camp Photo Gallery
2008 Meet the Hawks Night Information
2008 Seaon Preview
Jan. 30, 2008
IOWA CITY – Senior catcher Emily Nichols has been named to the 2008 USA Softball Player of the Year Watch List. The Portland, OR, native is one of 50 players to be selected.
Nichols holds Iowa’s career home run record with 33 entering the 2008 season. Last year, she was a second team NFCA Mideast all-Regional selection and was named third team all-Big Ten. She maintained a 28-game hitting streak, which was the longest in Big Ten history and the seventh longest in NCAA history. She also hit .400 or better throughout the entire 58-game season. Nichols is the first Hawkeye player named to the USA Softball Player of the Year Watch List.
“Emily is an outstanding player with a tremendous work ethic,” Head Coach Gayle Blevins said. “It’s a great statement when one of your most talented athletes is also one of the hardest workers. We are very pleased that people recognize her talents on the field.”
The Amateur Softball Association (ASA) sponsors the award, which is considered one of the most prestigious honors in collegiate softball. This is the seventh year the ASA has given the award.
The 2008 pre-season watch list is comprised of players representing 34 institutions, including six players from Big Ten schools.
The ASA will announce the 25 finalists on April 9. A list of 10 finalists will then be named on May 7. The final three finalists will be selected May 21 and the winner will be announced prior to the start of the 2008 NCAA Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City.
Click HERE for the Big Ten Network home page.