Phoenix's Brianna Hardy earns DII Softball Pitcher of the Year honor
Charlotte, NC – Phoenix's Brianna Hardy has been named the 2021 NJCAA Division II Softball Pitcher of the Year, presented by the Marines. The sophomore pitcher led the Bears to their seventh national title in 15 years. In the championship match, Hardy pitched all seven innings, giving up two runs while striking out eight. She also went 1 for 3 at the plate, taking home the tournament's Most Valuable Player honor.
After a stellar freshman season that saw her take home the Player of the Year honor, Hardy had bigger plans in store for 2020-21. She served as the Bears' ace and had one of the best seasons in NJCAA history, going a perfect 32-0. She led the nation in almost every major pitching category, including wins, strikeouts, ERA, and shutouts.
Hardy's efforts in the circle were complimented with her impressive efforts in the batter's box. The sophomore put together a solid campaign at the plate, compiling a .421 batting average, adding 14 home runs and 44 RBI.
Coach Heinz Mueller on Brianna: "Brianna is the most dedicated and loyal player that I have had the pleasure of coaching in my 30 years as head softball coach at Phoenix College. She has achieved more than any other pitcher in Phoenix College softball history and probably in the NJCAA. Currently, she has a 77 -2 win-loss record. The best pitcher obviously that I ever have coached. Also a great young lady."
Personal
- Position: Pitcher
- Class: Sophomore
- Hometown: Sierra Vista, AZ
2021 Statistics
- Record: 32-0 (Most wins in the nation)
- 325 strikeouts - 1st in the NJCAA
- 12.10 strikeouts per game - 1st in the NJCAA
- 1.08 ERA - 1st in the NJCAA
- 14 Shutouts - 1st in the NJCAA
- .182 BAA - 10th in the NJCAA
2021 Accomplishments
- 2020-21 Betty Jo Graber NJCAA Female Student-Athlete of the Year
- NFCA NJCAA DII Pitcher of the Year
- NJCAA Division II Softball Championship tournament MVP
- NJCAA First-team All-American
- NJCAA Player of the Week
- NFCA DII South Region First-Team
- NFCA DII First-Team All-American
- ACCAC First-team
- ACCAC Pitcher of the Year
