Since the start of the 2011 season, junior shortstop Katelyn Boyd has been nearly unstoppable at the plate and in the field.
Her outstanding play has quickly attracted national attention. On Wednesday, Boyd was announced as a Top 25 finalist for the 2011 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award.
The award, the highest individual honor in collegiate softball, will be announced at the beginning of the NCAA Women’s College World Series.
The finalists will be narrowed to 10 on May 11. The final three finalists will then be given on May 25, and the Player of the Year will then be revealed on May 31.
Boyd is one of seven Pac-10 players mentioned on the list and the lone Sun Devil. She is also one of just six juniors named as a finalist.
Boyd was previously mentioned on the top-50 watch list that was given at the beginning of the season.
The All-American is in the midst of yet another successful season in Tempe. She has been a force in the batter’s box and is currently leading the team in several offensive categories.
Boyd is currently hitting .465 with 55 runs, 53 hits, 12 home runs, 12 doubles and 44 RBIs.
In the Pac-10, Boyd is among the top offensive players as well. She leads the entire conference in runs scored and walks. She ranks third in home runs and RBIs, as well as fourth in hits.
These stats alone prove that Boyd is worthy of Player of the Year honors. Not to mention she routinely turns in highlight reel plays at shortstop and provides plenty of speed on the base paths.
There is no doubt: If Boyd’s elite level of play continues, her name will continue to be mentioned in Player of the Year consideration.
Reach the reporter at greg.dillard@asu.edu
