(Story Courtesy of Texas Lutheran University Information Department)
SEGUIN, Texas -- Annie Kay and Linzee Leal of the Texas Lutheran softball team were announced as Rawlings Gold Glove Award recipients Thursday evening as announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). TLU's two selections are tied for the most Rawlings Gold Glove Award recipients among any program in the nation this year on any level.
The duo become the first two players in program history to receive the award. The top nine defensive players from all collegiate divisions (NCAA DI, NCAA DII, NCAA DIII, NAIA, NJCAA DI, NJCAA DII, NJCAA DIII, Cal JC, NWAC) are recognized with the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, presented by the NFCA. In 2022, the inaugural recipients from NCAA Division I were announced at the NCAA Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City, Okla. In 2023, the award expanded to include all the collegiate divisions. Honorees of the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, presented by the NFCA, are selected by the NFCA All-America Committees.
Kay has been one of Division-III's elite defenders since arriving on campus in 2023 as a freshman. The Sinton, Texas, utilized her speed to have unlimited range in center field. The center fielder had one outfield assist on the year and 53 putouts, including a defensive showcase across the 2024 SCAC Tournament and 2024 Marshall, Texas Regional.
Leal led the TLU defense with 82 assists and was in on seven double plays while having a .984 fielding percentage. The seven double plays more than doubles her previous career-high. Leal also recorded 45 putouts from the shortstop position, only making two errors in 129 total chances.
Both Bulldogs were named to the All-SCAC First Team with Kay also garnering All-West Region Second Team honors from the NFCA. Kay and Leal were key pieces to a TLU defense that once again found itself in the top five nationally, ranking fifth in NCAA Division-III with a .977 fielding percentage.
The full release can be read here.
