LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Simpson softball standout Megan Heidelbauer made history Thursday when she was awarded a Rawlings Gold Glove from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, becoming the first player in Storm history to garner the prestigious honor.
The NFCA Second Team All-American and A-R-C Position Player of the Year added to her trophy mantle with the highly coveted Gold Glove award. On the year, Heidelbauer flashed the leather with a conference-leading 348 putouts along with 13 assists.
The junior was a part of 23 of Simpson's 26 double plays during the season, the most in the A-R-C, and nine more than second overall. Her near perfect .994 fielding percentage was also top on the team with 50 more total chances.
Recipients of the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, presented by the NFCA, were selected by the 10 regional representatives of the NFCA's NCAA Division III All-America Committee, following regional voting to identify the finalists at each position. The group utilized fielding statistics and school-submitted video to closely examine finalists and select the winners at every defensive position.
About the American Rivers Conference
The Conference dates back to December 8, 1922, when representatives from 12 colleges got together and formed the "Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association." Honoring its heritage in Iowa and its expansion outside the state, the American Rivers Conference brand was established on August 9, 2018, to build on the academic and athletic success provided by its legacy, the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The A-R-C has nine full-time members: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College.
