LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Taylor Nearad of Kirkwood Community College has been named the inaugural Schutt Sports/NFCA Junior College National Player of the Year for all divisions, the Association announced on Wednesday afternoon.

The award was voted on by members of the NFCA’s Junior College All-American and Coaching Staff committees, which are comprised of NJCAA I, II & III, Cal JC and NWAC.

Near the top of every offensive category in NJCAA Division II this season, Nearad was named a first-team NFCA All-American and led the nation with 145 hits, 129 RBIs, 30 home runs and 114 runs scored.

She hit at a .602 clip, which was third-highest in the country, while her .622 on-base percentage ranked fourth. In addition to her long balls, she stroked 31 doubles and 11 triples, which contributed to the third-highest slugging percentage in NJCAA II (1.195). The speedy outfielder also displayed her talents on the base paths, swiping 34 bags.

The Dudley© NJCAA Division II Player of the Year showcased her talents in four games during the NJCAA DII Softball Championships. A freshman from Solon, Nearad was selected to the all-tournament team after hitting .400 with three home runs, two doubles and eight RBIs.