WISE – UVA Wise softball's Katie Russell has been named to the Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) 2021 College Division All-State Second Team.
A native of Seaford, Virginia, Russell claimed a .341 batting average as she scored 20 runs and made 28 starts for the Cavaliers this spring. This season, the senior posted 29 hits including seven doubles and six home runs while batting in 22 runs and slugging .635 on the year. Behind the plate, Russell totaled 118 putouts and marked a .960 fielding percentage. The catcher also garnered 2021 All-South Atlantic Conference First Team honors.
The individual awards were headlined by Jessica Goldyn (Virginia Wesleyan), Hanna Hull (Virginia Wesleyan), Emily Seale (Virginia Wesleyan) and Brandon Elliott (Virginia Wesleyan).
Goldyn was voted the VaSID Player of the Year winner after hitting .488 in 53 games with 42 extra base hits and 54 RBIs. The Virginia Beach, Va., native was also named NFCA NCAA Division III National Player of the Year and the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player.
Hull garnered the Pitcher of the Year award for the fifth time in her career, as she went 23-3 with a 1.31 ERA. She also fanned 200 batters, completed 14 games and shutout six opponents in 27 starts.
The Rookie of the Year honor went to Seale after leading Virginia Wesleyan with a 1.15 ERA in 33 appearances. In the circle, Seale pitched 140.1 innings, struck out 63 and allowed just 39 runs to cross the plate.
The final individual award went to Coach of the Year Brandon Elliott for the fifth time in his 500-win career. Elliott has led the Marlins to the NCAA Division III National Championship three times in four years.
VaSID names 44 all-state teams in 23 sports each year, as well as an Academic All-State squad and an all-sports champion in both the University and College Divisions. Membership in VaSID is open to all media relations professionals working at a university or conference in the state of Virginia.
MAJOR AWARDS
Player of the Year: Jessica Goldyn (Virginia Wesleyan)
Pitcher of the Year: Hanna Hull (Virginia Wesleyan)
Rookie of the Year: Emily Seale (Virginia Wesleyan)
Coach of the Year: Brandon Elliott (Virginia Wesleyan)
FIRST TEAM ALL-STATE
Pitcher Hanna Hull Virginia Wesleyan
Pitcher Jada Karnes Roanoke College
Pitcher Emily Seale Virginia Wesleyan
Catcher Jessica Goldyn Virginia Wesleyan
First Base Danielle Stewart Virginia Wesleyan
Second Base Katelyn Biando Virginia Wesleyan
Shortstop Kayla Hugate Lynchburg
Third Base Kaitlyn Hasty Christopher Newport
Outfield Caitlin Abernethy Christopher Newport
Outfield Madison Glaubke Virginia Wesleyan
Outfield Ariana Rolle Virginia Wesleyan
DP/Utility Alex Braun Emory & Henry
SECOND TEAM ALL-STATE
Pitcher Brantley Swift Bridgewater
Pitcher Gracie Vallejos Christopher Newport
Pitcher Emily Weatherholtz Christopher Newport
Catcher Katie Russell University of Virginia Wise
First Base Sierra Lantz Eastern Mennonite
Second Base Maddie Hool Christopher Newport
Shortstop Hannah Thompson Averett
Third Base Julia Sinnett Virginia Wesleyan
Outfield Nicole Cox Emory & Henry
Outfield Julie Fassel Virginia Wesleyan
Outfield Lexi Powell Lynchburg
DP/Utility Karlee Fretz Virginia Wesleyan