Barnhill Named Google Cloud Academic All-American of the Year

Kelly Barnhill was recently accepted in the College of Journalism and Communications combined degree program and will start her master's in Global Strategic Communications next fall. (Photo: Kelsi Bevington/UAA Communications)

Barnhill Named Google Cloud Academic All-American of the Year

Monday, June 4, 2018 | Softball

The junior right-handed pitcher became only the second player if Florida softball history to earn the award.

By: Herb Brooks

AUSTIN, Texas – Kelly Barnhill of the Florida softball team headlines the 2018 Google Cloud Academic All-America® Division I Softball team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Barnhill was named the 2018 Academic All-American® of the Year for Division I softball.

"This is a tremendous accomplishment for Kelly." Stated head coach Tim Walton. "She dedicates so much of herself to being an elite level athlete on the field, but she also goes above and beyond to being an even better student. I'm proud of Kelly's determination to be as successful in the classroom as she is on the field and that she is being recognized for it."

Barnhill's dedication to her studies has led her to a 3.92 GPA in Public Relations and recently was accepted into the UF College of Journalism and Communications combined degree program, which allows her to start her master's in Global Strategic Communications in the fall.

"I'm so honored to be receiving this award." Barnhill said. "Academics have been important to me my whole life and I came to UF to get the best education, while playing softball at the highest level."

The talented right-handed pitcher received numerous accolades for her efforts in the circle during her 2018 campaign. Highlighting Barnhill's achievements were being named a 2018 NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) First-Team All-American and a Top 4 finalist for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. She also was the Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Year, an All-SEC First Team member and was selected to the SEC Community Service Team.

The Marietta, Ga. native becomes the 10^th Florida student-athlete and the second softball player to have ever received the award. Stacey Nelson received the honor during her senior campaign in 2009.

Florida - Google Cloud Academic All-American of Year

Year	Name	Sport	Selection	Team
2018	Kelly Barnhill	Softball	Softball	1st*
2017	Canyon Barry	Basketball	Basketball	1st*
2013	Elizabeth Beisel	Swimming	Women's At-Large	1st*
2011	Kristy Jaeckel	Volleyball	Volleyball	1st*
2009	Tim Tebow	Football	Football	1st *
2009	Stacey Nelson	Softball	Softball	1st *
2008	Tim Tebow	Football	Football	1st *
2003	Matt Bonner	Basketball	Basketball	1st*
2002	Matt Bonner	Basketball	Basketball	1st*
2001	Andi Sellers	Soccer	Soccer	1st*
1999	Erin Baxter	Soccer	Women's At-Large	1st*
1996	Danny Wuerffel	Football	Football	1st*
1995	Danny Wuerffel	Football	Football	1st*

The Southeastern Conference has produced 11 Academic All-American of Year recipients since 1997 and claimed the award for the sixth consecutive year.
Google Cloud Academic All-American of Year (since 1997)

Year	Name	School	Position
2018	Kelly Barnhill	Florida	Pitcher
2017	Kasey Cooper	Auburn	Outfielder
2016	Haylie McCleney	Alabama	Outfielder
2015	Haylie McCleney	Alabama	Outfielder
2014	Ellen Renfroe	Tennessee	Pitcher
2013	Raven Chavanne	Tennessee	Infield
2012	Ashley Brignac	Louisiana-Lafayette	Pitcher
2011	Ashley Brignac	Louisiana-Lafayette	Pitcher
2010	Chelsea Bramlett	Mississippi State	Catcher
2009	Stacey Nelson	Florida	Pitcher
2008	Angela Tincher	Virginia Tech	Pitcher
2007	Lindsay Schutzler	Tennessee	Outfield
2006	Lindsay Schutzler	Tennessee	Outfield
2005	Megan Meyer	Seton Hall	Pitcher
2004	Kate Jaspers	Mississippi State	Infield
2003	Brandi Cross	Massachusetts	Infield
2002	Jarrah Myers	Notre Dame	Catcher
2001	Sara Carlson	Villanova	Outfield
2000	Lana Moran	Oklahoma	Pitcher
1999	Isonette Polonius	East Carolina	Infield
1998	Nancy Evans	Arizona	Pitcher
1997	Leah O'Brien	Arizona	Infield