Louisville, Ky. - Central Methodist freshman Emma King is one of six finalists in contention for the 2026 NFCA NAIA Freshman of the Year award, which was announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches' Association last Friday. 

The native of Benton, Arkansas is the first finalist for the Eagles since Mykala Johnico in 2022.

The award, which is selected by the NFCA NAIA All-America Committee, honors the outstanding athletic achievements among freshman softball student-athletes throughout the NAIA.

King represents Region V and is joined by Williams Baptist's Addison Foster (Region I), Bryan College's Ava Saul (Region II), Oklahoma City's Hadley Gibson (Region III), Dordt's Rylee Yager (Region IV), and Campbellsville's Lydia Jones (Region VI).  

King had a remarkable freshman campaign, finishing her debut season batting .442 with a .693 slugging percentage, recording 11 doubles and 10 home runs. She drove in 56 RBI and scored 28 runs across 54 games. Defensively, she totaled 100 chances with a .980 fielding percentage, proving to be a key contributor both at the plate and in the field.

For her efforts during conference play, King was tabbed as the Heart Freshman of the Year and a First Team All-Conference selection. 

The 2026 NFCA NAIA Freshman of the Year award will be announced Tuesday, June 9th. 

To view the NFCA release on this year's finalists, please click here.

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