University of North Carolina Athletics
Wike Named Finalist For National Freshman Of The Year
April 16, 2015 | Softball
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – University of North Carolina freshman Taylor Wike has been tabbed as one of 25 finalists for the 2015 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Freshman of the Year award.
From Hiddenite, N.C., Wike has put up remarkable numbers throughout her freshman campaign. She currently leads the ACC in on base percentage at .596, ranking 10th nationally, as well as batting average at .440. The second baseman is also third in the conference in slugging percentage at .724, behind teammates Kristen Brown and Amber Parrish.
This year's 25 finalists hail from 23 different universities, while the group represents 12 Division I leagues across the nation, ranging coast-to-coast, from New York to California. Alabama and LSU out of the Southeastern Conference each boast two finalists.
The SEC led the way with eight overall selections. The Pac-12 and the Southland Conference each had three representatives, while the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12 and Sun Belt garnered two honorees apiece. The BIG EAST, Big Ten, Big West, Colonial Athletic Association and Ohio Valley all had one selection.
On Thurs., May 7, the list will be trimmed down to the top 10 finalists, while the top 3 finalists will be selected and released on Thurs., May 21. In its second year, the NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year trophy will be presented during a live ceremony on May 26 prior to the opening of the annual Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.
About the NFCA
The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) is the professional growth organization for fastpitch softball coaches for all competitive levels of play. Founded in the early 1980s by collegiate softball coaches, today the organization also includes high school coaches, travel ball/club coaches and individuals who support the sport. Founded by coaches for coaches, the Association is built on strong values and continually instills within its members a deep sense of responsibility for developing programs that enrich the lives of all those involved.
In addition, the Association provides educational training; encourages sportsmanship and high standards of competition; promotes the sport both nationally and internationally; identifies and pursues issues relevant to the fastpitch coaching profession and provides a forum to discuss those issues; honors excellence through awards programs for coaches and players, and keeps members informed of current coaching techniques, equipment innovations and fastpitch news.
NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year – Top 25 Finalists
Sydney Booker – SS/3B – Southeastern Louisiana
Daniella Chavez – DP - Kansas
Zoe Conley – RHP - CSUN
Baylee Douglass – RHP - SIUE
Ivie Drake – C - Georgia State
Cortni Emanuel – OF/IF - Georgia
Megan Good – RHP/IF – James Madison
Meghan Gregg – SS - Tennessee
Peyton Hedrick – SS - Abilene Christian
Carley Hoover – RHP - LSU
Jazmyn Jackson – CF - California
Jenna Lilley – 3B - Oregon
Aleshia Ocasio – RHP/UT - Florida
Ariel Ortiz – SS - Texas State
Alexis Osorio – RHP - Alabama
Paige Parker – LHP - Oklahoma
Danielle Parlich – IF - Minnesota
Erika Piancastelli – C – McNeese State
Krystal Puga – 1B - St. John's
Demi Turner – 2B - Alabama
Taylor Van Zee – LF/3B - Washington
Tori Vidales – 3B - Texas A&M
Allie Walljasper – RHP - LSU
Jessica Warren – 3B - Florida State
Taylor Wike – 2B - North Carolina
