Posted: Jul 11, 2014
LOUISVILLE, Ky. The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and Diamond Sports announced on Friday the 10 student-athletes that have earned the honor of being named as a 2014 Diamond Sports Catcher of the Year. The award winner for the NAIA is Central Methodist's Michele Rupard.
Rupard is one of nine honorees who are the first selection in program history for their school.�
Rupard, the 2014 Heart of America Athletic Conference Player of the Year and a first team NAIA and NFCA NAIA All-American, led the Eagles (43-8)�in seven offensive categories, including setting single-season school records in walks (39) and on-base percentage (.546). Her walk total tied for the ninth-most in NAIA history. The junior from Kansas City, Mo., hit .402 with 53 hits, 17 doubles, seven homers, 45 runs, 29 RBIs and a .689 slugging average. Rupard made just two errors in 223 chances (.991) on defense.
The Diamond Sports Catcher of the Year award is presented annually to the top catcher from an NFCA member institution in each of the following divisions: NCAA (Divisions I, II and III), NAIA, NJCAA (Divisions I, II and III), Cal JC, NWAC and high school.
A committee comprised of head coaches in each of the 10 divisions determined the winner of their respective award.�
