LOUISVILLE, Ky. --- Claire Smeltzer of Tusculum University softball has been named to the 2024 Tucci/NFCA Division II Player and Pitcher of the Year watchlist. The senior outfielder is the first in program history to be named to this elite lineup.
One hundred and twenty (120) student-athletes from across the country were among the list, broken down into the eight NCAA Regions (Atlantic, Central, East, Midwest, South, South Central, Southeast and West), with up to 15 student-athletes represented in each region. The list is compiled by the elected members of the NFCA Division II All-American Committee with one head coach representing each of the eight NCAA regions. In all, the group consists of 85 programs from 21 different conferences.
Smeltzer, a native of Smithfield, Virginia, is having a remarkable final year, leading the Pioneers in nearly every offensive category. She is averaging .429 with a .488 on-base percentage and slugging .762. The lefty has a team-best 45 hits, 10 doubles, and 38 runs batted in, while adding 25 runs, two triples, seven home runs, 13 walks, and three steals. Smeltzer is also credited with two sacrifice flies. Defensively, she has four outfield assists and has been a factor in two double plays.
With her stellar senior season, Smeltzer has jumped into the top-15 in program history in batting average (.349), doubles (39), home runs (14), RBI (102), total bases (247), slugging percentage (.539), and on-base percentage (.412).
Voted on by the NFCA's Division II All-American Committee, the 2024 Tucci/NFCA Player and Pitcher of the Year winners will be announced on May 27 following the conclusion of the NCAA Division II National Championships. All student-athletes are eligible for the end-of-the-season award and do not have to be on this list to be considered.
The Player of the Year 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.
Southeast Region
*Macauley Bailey, UTL, Carson-Newman
Abbie Behe, 2B, Lander
*Jessica Campbell, OF, King
Raechel Cutcher, P, Wingate
Kristen Davis, P, North Georgia
Tybee Denton, P, North Georgia
Hayden Dye, SS, Carson-Newman
Kylie Emanuele, 3B, Mount Olive
Miranda Holms, P, Barton
Julia Mardigian, 2B, Lenoir-Rhyne
Brooke Miller, 2B, Columbus State
*Sophie Mooney, 1B, North Georgia
Alyssa Poston, P, Francis Marion
Claire Smeltzer, OF, Tusculum
Taylor Watford, 1B, Francis Marion
* Denotes 2023 NFCA All-American
