Florida's 2009 Softball Team Honored at Saturday's Football Game
Saturday, September 19, 2009 | Softball
The University of Florida's 2009 NCAA Women's College World Series runner-up team was honored at Saturday's Florida-Tennessee football game. The Gator softball team made its second consecutive WCWS appearance in 2009. Florida also claimed its second consecutive Southeastern Conference regular season and tournament titles last year.
Five Gators earned a total of 10 All-America honors in 2009. Those players were also recognized at Saturday's presentation.
· Stephanie Brombacher (Second-team NFCA/Louisville Slugger; First-team Easton)
· Kelsey Bruder (Second-team NFCA/Louisville Slugger; First-team Easton)
· Francesca Enea (Second-team NFCA/Louisville Slugger; First-team Easton)
· Stacey Nelson (First-team NFCA/Louisville Slugger; First-team Easton)
· Aja Paculba (Second-team NFCA/Louisville Slugger; First-team Easton)
Florida led the nation with four players earning ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America honors, including Nelson being named softball's Academic All-American of the Year. Those being honored Saturday as ESPN Academic All-American included:
· Kristina Hilberth (First team)
· Stacey Nelson (First team, Softball Academic All-American of the Year)
· Stephanie Brombacher (Third team)
· Ali Gardiner (Third team)
For the third consecutive year, the UF softball coaching staff was named the Southeast Region Coaching Staff of the Year by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Head coach Tim Walton, along with assistants Jennifer Rocha and Jenny Gladding and student coach Mary Ratliff led the Gators to a 63-5 season and their first-ever appearance in the Women's College World Series championship series. They were recognized Saturday and Walton was also honored for picking up the SEC Coach of Year honor for the second consecutive year.
The Gators were also honored with the University Athletic Association Life Skills Cup for their commitment to helping others on campus and in the community.
