2015 USCAA Softball End of the Year Award Winners

2015 USCAA Softball End of the Year Award Winners
Posted: May 18, 2015

Student-Athlete of the Year- One player is selected as the award recipient each year in each USCAA sport and division. The nomination process will allow institutions to nominate one player per sport/division. The emphasis of this award is on academics and community involvement, versus athletic performance. The award winner is selected by a committee comprised of National Office members, board members, and member Athletic Directors.

Coach of the Year- One coach is selected as the award recipient each year in each USCAA sport/division. Athletic Directors and coaches are permitted to nominate, but only one nomination will be accepted per school. The award will be selected by a committee comprised of National Office members, board members, and member Athletic Directors. 

Player of the Year- Awarded to the best player in the USCAA in each sport/division. The award is selected by a committee comprised of National Office members, board members, and member Athletic Directors. 

The 2014-15 season marks the first year of the USCAA End of the Year Awards

USCAA Softball Student Athlete of The Year:

Samantha Shepard | Iowa Wesleyan College

  • Shepard carries a 3.89 GPA with a double major in Pre-Med/Biology and 2 minors in Chemistry and Psychology.
  • Involved by going to Haiti on a relief mission
  • President of Student Ambassadors
  • Theta Sigma Rho society
  • Orientation Crew
  • Club M (a mentoring program for local middle school)
  • Student Union Board
  • NFCA Scholar All-American
  • Dean's List 7 semesters
  • Certified nursing assistant
  • SLIAC Sportsmanship Team 2014
  • Student Leader of the Year at IWC in 2013-14 L
  • Leads campus Bible study group,
  • Participated in Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, member of paraprofessional group on campus. 



USCAA Softball Coach of The Year: 

Mark Feller | St. Mary of the Woods College


Since coming to SMWC, Mark has the Pomeroys ranked as the top ranked team in every USCAA Coaches Poll. He is currently in his second season after finishing as the runner-up in last year's tournament. He understands the need for his student-athletes to excel in the classroom and has gotten the best out of them on field as well. He works tirelessly to make sure that their college softball experience is fun and successful both as athletes and students. 

Regular Season Record: 27-11



USCAA Softball Player of The Year: 

Sarah Burnham | St. Mary of the Woods College


Batting Average: .415

Runs Batted In: 47

Home Runs: 10

Hits: 56

Fielding Percentage: .989

(Pitching) Complete Games: 12 (10 Wins)