WISE - - The University of Virginia's College at Wise's athletic department announces the selection of Shelley Newton '08 as part of the 2022 Hall of Fame Class.
A native of Chesapeake, Va., Newton was a four-time all-conference and four-time all-region selection who powered the Cavaliers to three Appalachian Athletic Conference crowns, two NAIA Region XII Championships and two berths in the NAIA World Series.
The future hall of famer made her impact on the program immediately. As a freshman, Newton lined a single-season school record 20 doubles. That season, Newton posted a team-high 42 RBI and a team-best .512 slugging percentage as part of a season that saw her produce 15 multi-hit games.
Named the 2008 AAC Player of the Year, Newton hit .379 that spring as she lined 19 extra-base hits in 43 games. Her play was at its best that season in the Region XII Tournament when she posted a .467 batting average in the tournament while lining seven doubles.
The catcher finished her career as the program's career leader in doubles with 63 and games played with 209. Additionally, Newton ranks second in program history in slugging percentage (.577), second in hits (231), second in RBI (183), second in total bases (379), third in home runs (25), fifth in on-base percentage (.401), and fifth in runs scored (145).
A talented defensive catcher, Newton made just four errors without allowing a passed ball over her final 102 starts while throwing out 14 would-be base stealers in the stretch.
Newton earned her degree from UVA Wise in health and physical education before spending six seasons as an assistant coach with the program. In 2009, UVA Wise won the AAC Tournament before the program made history in 2014 by becoming the first athletic team at UVA Wise to win a conference title at the NCAA Division II level when the softball team secured the Mountain East Conference crown with Newton on staff.
Today, Newton lives in Kill Devil Hills, N.C.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place inside the Prior Center on Sept. 17 at 9 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.
