May 14, 2003
Bowling Green, Ky. - Sophomore Shelly Floyd (Gallatin, Tenn.) was named first-team all-South Region Tuesday as selected by the National Fastpitch Coaches' Association (NFCA), becoming the first player in Western Kentucky University softball history to earn such an honor. Floyd set five single-season records for the Hilltoppers this year, including RBI (46) and total bases (96), despite being hampered for most of the season by a broken bone in her throwing hand.
"I am very happy for Shelly. She had an outstanding sophomore season," said WKU head coach Leslie Phelan. "I am glad the coaches in our region recognized her ability."
In her second year on the Hill, Floyd led the Hilltoppers in RBI, total bases, home runs (nine), slugging percentage (.596) and multiple-RBI games (15), all of which established new school records. She also led the team in on-base percentage (.407), while ranking second in both batting average (.354) and runs scored (35).
Through last weekend's games, Floyd was ranked 28th in the nation in RBI per game (0.9). She earned three all-tournament nods this season, including Alabama's Bama Bash, Chattanooga's Frost Classic and WKU's Hilltopper Classic. On Feb. 18th, she was named the SBC Hitter of the Week.
Floyd narrowly missed out on becoming just the second player in Hilltopper history to lead the team in all three triple crown categories (batting average, home runs and RBI). She finished the year ranked third in the Sun Belt Conference in RBI, sixth in batting average and fifth in total bases.
- WKU -
