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Vondracek named DIII Softball Player of the Year

Jun 09, 2022

Charlotte, NC - Corning (NY) infielder Grace Vondracek was named the 2022 NJCAA DIII Softball Player of the Year.

Vondracek was an NJCAA DIII Softball First Team All-America selection in 2020-21 and followed-up with another impressive season. The New York native helped lead the Red Barons to their second straight National Championship game appearance and second consecutive runner-up finish. The freshman led the nation with a .626 batting average and .683 on-base percentage. Her batting average and on-base percentage were the highest amongst all three NJCAA softball divisions. Vondracek also led the nation in hits with 97 total on the season, including 17 doubles, nine home runs, and three triples. The freshman is the second consecutive Corning infielder to win Player of the Year, following Lexi Wood last season.

The freshman helped lead the No. 2 ranked Red Barons to a second straight National Championship game appearance where they finished as the runner-up. Over the course of five games during the tournament, Vondracek hit for a .471 batting average with two doubles and four runs scored. These efforts earned her All-Tournament Team honors. 

Corning head softball coach Stacy Johnson on Vondracek:

"Grace Vondracek is the most naturally athletic student-athlete I have ever had in the Corning program.  Hitting .626 in a 48-game season is no small task.  This kid is so unique in the fact she can beat you with her feet or her bat.  I've never had a player that can drop a bunt down and beat it out easily and then step up to the plate and knock the ball out of the park in her next at-bat.  Her quickness at short coupled with her arm strength was also key to our defense.  Grace was a huge reason for our success this season and I couldn't be happier that she is being recognized for her contributions"

Personal

  • Position: Infielder

  • Class: Freshman

  • Hometown: Odessa, New York

2021-22 Statistics

  • .626 batting average (leads nation)

  • .683 on-base percentage (leads nation)

  • 97 hits (led nation)

  • 88 runs scored (led nation)

  • 46 stolen bases (4th in nation)

  • 65 RBI

2021-22 Accomplishments

  • 2022 NJCAA DIII Softball National Runner-Up

  • 2022 NJCAA DIII Softball First-Team All-America

  • 2022 NJCAA DIII Softball National Tournament All-Tournament Team Selection

  • Nation Leader in Batting Average, On-Base Percentage, Runs Scored, and Hits