AAC Softball Awards Announced; Leyvas 1st Team

KINGSPORT, Tenn. - The Appalachian Athletic Conference announced the 2023 Softball All-AAC Team and Awards on Thursday.

Haley Lyner of Point is the Player of the Year, Whitney Shepard of Reinhardt is the Pitcher of the Year, Kylie Freije of Reinhardt is the Freshman of the Year, and David Dews of Reinhardt is the Coach of the Year.

The awards were voted on and selected by the softball coaches of the AAC.

Lyner finished the regular season second in the league in batting average (.469) and third in RBI (32). She also had four home runs and 13 doubles.

Shephard went 13-0 in conference play with a 0.46 ERA. She also struck out 58 in 91 innings of work.

Freije tied for third in average (.465) with 15 RBI and two home runs.

Dews guided Reinhardt to the regular-season championship with a 26-2 conference record.

Twelve players earned a spot on the All-AAC First Team with nine making the second team. Dozens of players made the grade to earn a spot on the All-Academic Team, while 15 were named to the Champions of Character Team.

For a complete look at the awards, click here.