UF Softball: Adams Tabbed Top 25 Finalist for 2021 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year
Photo By: Sydney Calle
Courtesy of University Athletic Association
BY HERB BROOKS
Senior Hannah Adams was recently announced as a Top 25 Finalist for the 2021 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award. The USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award, which is considered the most prestigious honor in Division I women’s collegiate softball, recognizes the outstanding athletic achievement by Division I female players across the country.
“I’m so proud of how Hannah has matured into being an elite level softball player.,” said head coach Tim Walton. “Being recognized as a Top 25 finalist is a testament to how she plays the game, the work she puts in off the field, and the leadership she provides to our program.”
Adams, a clutch performer for the Gators at the plate the past two seasons, has five career walk-off moments and is considered one of the best, if not the best, second baseman in the game today. This season the Hoschton, Ga. native is batting .411 (51-of-124) with a team-leading 15 multi-hit games and currently has a 25-game reached base safely streak. She has reached base safely in all but one game so far this season.
The left-handed hitter also notched a 13-game hit-streak earlier this year, which is tied for the seventh longest in program history alongside Gator Greats Aja Paculba and Jenny Gladding.
Historically, the Gators have produced two winners of the award as Lauren Haeger was the first to achieve the feat in 2015 when she led the Gators to a second NCAA Championship at the Women’s College World Series. Kelly Barnhill captured the award in 2017 after she put together one of the best seasons by a pitcher in Florida history.
In 2020, the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award was not given out due to the COVID-19 pandemic and season cancellation.
The list of 25 Finalists will be narrowed to 10 Finalists on May 5 before the Top 3 Finalists will be announced on May 19. The 2021 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year will be revealed prior to the 2021 NCAA Women’s College World Series (WCWS), which is set to take place June 3-9 at the USA Softball Hall of Fame Complex.