Schutt Sports/NFCA Freshman of the Year: Emily Loveless

By Mike DeVader, Reinhardt Director of Athletic Communications & Media

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Add another historic note to the record books for Reinhardt Athletics – this time in softball – as shortstop Emily Loveless is the Schutt Sports/NFCA Freshman of the Year, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) revealed Tuesday afternoon.

Loveless is the inaugural winner of the freshman honor. She joined Saint Xavier's (Ill.) Allison Golic (Pitcher of the Year) and McPherson's (Kan.) Maile Deutsch (Player of the Year) on the national stage.

The Freshman of the Year award honors the outstanding athletic achievement among freshman softball student-athletes throughout NAIA. To be eligible, student-athletes must come from a NFCA member institution.

With the cancellation of last year's season due to COVID-19, eligible candidates were selected from the 2020 and 2021 freshman classes.

To view the entire release from the NFCA, please click here.

Loveless, who was also named a second team NFCA All-American on Monday, played and started every game – leading the Eagles with a .428 average. The Rockmart, Ga., native collected 80 hits, 52 RBIs, launched 12 homers and registered 15 doubles.

She also scored 62 runs, walked 28 times, posted a .500 on-base percentage and slugged .722.

Loveless' effort on the field helped guide the team to a 42-15 record and an appearance (at home) in the NAIA Softball National Championship Opening Round. 

To view the full list of NFCA All-Americans, please click here.

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For more information on Reinhardt Softball, please click here.