LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kirkwood Community College’s Taylor Nearad repeats as the Schutt Sports/NFCA Junior College National Player of the Year, announced the Association on Tuesday afternoon. Nearad collects her second straight honor after being selected the inaugural winner in 2016.
The award was voted on by the members of the NFCA’s Junior College All-American and Coaching Staff of the Committees, which are comprised of NJCAA I, II & III, Cal JC and NWAC.
A two-time NFCA First Team All-American, Nearad led the nation with 112 hits, 35 doubles and 106 runs. Additionally, she was third with a 1.014 slugging percentage, tied for fourth in home runs with 19 and sixth in RBI with 80. Hitting at a .516 clip, the Solon, Iowa native swept the Region XI Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year awards.
In 125 career games with the Eagles, Nearad hit .561 with 257 hits, 66 doubles, 19 triples, 49 home runs, 209 RBI and 220 runs scored. She slugged 1.109 and posted a .592 on-base percentage. She shattered the program’s career batting average and records by .63 points and 92 base knocks, respective, while also breaking the home run mark by four.