Charlotte, NC – Guiding the Phoenix (AZ) Bears to its second consecutive national tournament game, freshman Brianna Hardy has been named the 2019 Dudley® NJCAA Division II Player of the Year. A two-way standout, Hardy was instrumental both at the plate and in the circle throughout the 2019 season for the Bears.
A Sierra Vista, AZ native, Hardy cemented her legacy in the record books for one of the most historic NJCAA softball programs. Hardy’s versatility as one of the most dominant pitchers in the nation to compliment a sound offensive attack helped the Bears to a 52-9 record and national runner-up finish in Clinton, MS.
Personal
- Position: RHP / INF
- Height: 5-5
- Class: Freshman
- Hometown: Sierra Vista, AZ
2019 Statistics
- .347 batting average
- .702 slugging percentage
- 13 home runs
- 46 runs batted in
- 32-2, 1 save
- 1.25 earned run average
- 207.0 innings pitcher
- 371 strikeouts
2019 Accomplishments
- NJCAA Division II First Team All-American
- NJCAA Division II All-Tournament Team
- NJCAA Division II Softball Tournament Runner-Up
- NJCAA Pitcher of the Week (2/6)
- NJCAA Division II All-Region I First Team
- ACCAC Pitcher of the Year
- ACCAC First Team
- NFCA Division II Player of the Year
- NFCA Division II First Team All-American
- NFCA Division II South All-Region First Team
Phoenix head coach Heinz Mueller on Hardy
What a dynamite student-athlete and young lady that Brianna is and what a performance for this past season. Never had a pitcher in my entire 28-year career at Phoenix College that was so dominant on the field as Brianna. Despite having a meniscus tear in the fall and an appendicitis surgery three weeks before the regional tournament, I was amazed how Brianna fought through those injuries and still played at a high level as a pitcher and hitter. She broke every Phoenix record for pitching and led the nation in several pitching statistics. Despite that success she is a very humble person as well and all her teammates love her. Looking forward for another great season next year."
Hardy's Reaction
"I cannot begin to describe how humbling this award is when I think about all the girls who could have been selected. I have to thank the coaching staff, my teammates, and my family for their support. Without which, this would not have been possible. I also have to thank the NJCAA. Because of that organization, countless girls like me get to continue to play the game we love while receiving a quality education."