There is no shortage of talented superstars in college softball. These 5 players were hard to narrow down but nonetheless, they are undoubtedly the pre-season favorites to bring home the 2024 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award!
Tiare Jennings, an indispensable Oklahoma Sooner and arguably one of the most exceptional hitters in softball. As she approaches her senior year in 2024, Jennings, by her own lofty standards, experienced a slightly subdued performance in 2023. Despite this, she delivered impressive stats, boasting a .415 batting average, 17 home runs, 66 RBIs, she played a pivotal role in securing Oklahoma's third consecutive national championship.
Jennings career began in 2021 where she earned the 2021 NFCA/Schutt Sports Division I National Freshman of the Year award. Although Jennings continues to excel at an elite level, the promise of her best season lies ahead. One can envision that if she replicates or surpasses her exceptional 2021 numbers in the upcoming season, Tiare Jennings is destined to be a Finalist for the 2024 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award.
Kiki Milloy stands unrivaled in college softball. The redshirt senior powerhouse from Tennessee showcased her dominance in 2023, leading all Division I players with an impressive 25 home runs, an outstanding Lady Vols single-season program record. While surpassing her exceptional achievements from the previous year may pose a challenge, Milloy's consistent improvement in her home run tally every season raises anticipation. Should she exceed the monumental 25 home runs, especially by breaking the elusive 30 home run barrier, it's difficult to imagine her being denied the 2024 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award. Her remarkable performance and potential milestones certainly position her as a strong contender for the prestigious accolade.
Maya Brady, Tom Brady's niece, emerged as college softball's brightest star in 2023, batting .448, blasting 18 home runs, tallying 59 RBIs. These stellar performances earned her a spot among the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Top 3 Finalists, NFCA First Team All-American honors, and the esteemed Pac-12 Player of the Year award.
All eyes remain fixed on Maya for the upcoming season, curious whether she can replicate her incredible 2023 campaign. Should she succeed and guide UCLA to another deep run in the Women's College World Series, Brady may find herself as a Collegiate Player of the Year Finalist to outright claim the coveted award. Maya's exceptional athletic prowess firmly establishes that top-tier talent runs in the Brady family.
NiJaree Canady emerged as a star among her peers in 2023. Despite only being a sophomore, she holds the promise of reaching unparalleled heights. This sophomore pitcher, dazzled in her freshman debut, securing a remarkable record of 17 wins and 3 losses over 135 innings, showcasing an impressive 0.57 ERA and amassing 218 strikeouts. Her opponents struggled to achieve a mere .137 Batting Average Against her. As the 2024 season approaches, Canady finds herself entrusted with Vawter's former role. Given her stellar performance as a freshman, she appears more than capable of filling these significant shoes. Anticipation brews for Canady's sophomore campaign, hinting at a breakthrough season that might rightfully earn her prestigious accolades.
Valerie Cagle of Clemson is a standout in college softball, securing the 2023 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award for her historic all-around performance. She excelled both as a pitcher and a hitter, boasting a .469 batting average with 19 home runs and 57 RBIs while also pitching 193 innings with a 25-8 record, a 1.56 ERA, and 188 strikeouts. As she gears up for her redshirt senior year in 2024, can Cagle claim a second consecutive Player of the Year award? History shows precedent with previous winners securing the award twice, but none matched Cagle's exceptional dual prowess in both hitting and pitching, making her an extraordinary talent to watch.
Some very impressive players that certainly set the standard for softballs best..