The National Fastpitch Coaches Association released its 2021 NFCA All-Region Division I teams on Thursday via a national release. The Southland Conference regular season champion Ladyjack softball team was well represented with a total of three selections, including two First Team honorees in the Central Region. Shaylon Govan and Kassidy Wilbur were chosen as First Team honorees at first base and pitcher, respectively, while Gaby Garcia made the Third Team as a catcher. SFA’s honorees made up three of the SLC’s five total honorees.
Continuing to pile up accolades on the heels of a legendary season, Wilbur earns her first NFCA All-Region selection after posting a 30-4 overall record in the circle, a total that established a new single-season program record for wins by a pitcher. Wilbur’s First Team resume was buoyed by an impressive 1.08 ERA, 274 strikeouts and a opposing batting average of .179. She pitched 24 complete games and 16 shutouts (13 solo) while leading the Southland in all the above categories. She was also recognized as the Southland Conference Pitcher and Player of the Year in the league, the first time a Ladyjack has collected both honors simultaneously.
Govan’s ascension to an NFCA All-Region selection follows her selection as the SLC’s Hitter of the Year for the 2021 season. Her 15 home runs set a new program record for home runs in a season, while her 52 runs batted in and 39 runs scored led her team. The Katy, Texas native remains in contention for the NFCA/Schutt Sports Division I National Freshman of the Year award, having recently been named one of the 15 finalists for the award.
Fresh off a breakout season which saw her lead the ‘Jacks in several hitting categories, Gaby Garcia earns a Third Team All-Region selection. The redshirt sophomore posted team highs in hits (62), batting average (.400) and doubles (15), helping SFA form a potent 1-2 punch with Govan at the top of the lineup. Garcia ranked second on the team in runs (34), home runs (8) and runs batted in (40).
A total of 380 student-athletes from 154 programs received 2021 NFCA Division I All-Region accolades. The awards honor softball student-athletes from the Association’s 10 regions with first, second and third-team selections. NFCA member head coaches from each respective region voted on the teams, and all student-athletes now become eligible for the 2021 NFCA Division I All-America squads.
