Completed Event: Softball at #12/14 Texas A&M on May 1, 2026 , Loss , 5, to, 8
Final
Softball
5
at #12/14 Texas A&M
8
.png&width=40&height=40&type=webp)
.png&width=40&height=40&type=webp)
University of Oklahoma Athletics
Scaglione & Vesely Make Player of the Year Cut
May 10, 2005 | Softball
NORMAN, Okla. Only hours after being invited to the USA Softball National Team Selection Camp, more good news arrived for Oklahoma senior Heather Scaglione. The Sooner catcher and junior teammate Kristin Vesely were announced as two of 10 finalists for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Award.
“We're ecstatic for them,” said OU head coach Patty Gasso. “They have been great leaders on this team all season and are more than worthy of the honors.”
“The last two seasons, Heather has made a name for herself as one of the best all-around catchers in the country and this recognition certainly backs that up. Kristin is following that path and becoming not only one of the best outfielders in Division I softball, but one of the best and most dangerous all-around players.”
|
Vesely and Scaglione were joined on the first list of 25 players by Jessica Leslie, who missed this cut. Scaglione was on the Preseason Watch List with Kami Keiter and Norrelle Dickson. For Scaglione, who made the list of 25 as a junior, it marks the first time that she has made the cut of 10.
The only other OU player to make the final 10 was Leah Gulla in 2003. No Sooner has ever made the final list of three. OU and Michigan are the only teams that had two players on the list. Fellow Big 12 Athletes Amanda Scarborough (Texas A&M) and Cat Osterman (Texas) also made the cut.
The initial list of 25 finalists was announced on April 6. This award is designed to recognize outstanding athletic achievement by female collegiate softball players across the country.
The ten finalists for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Award, listed in alphabetical order, are:
Monica Abbott (Tennessee); Sophomore, Pitcher; Salinas, Calif.
Caitlin Lowe (Arizona); Sophomore, Outfield; Tustin, Calif.
Jessica Merchant (Michigan); Senior, Shortstop; Wayland, Mich.
Cat Osterman (Texas); Junior, Pitcher; Houston, Texas
Jennie Ritter (Michigan); Junior, Pitcher; Dexter, Mich.
Kristen Rivera (Washington); Senior, Catcher; Perris, Calif.
Heather Scaglione (Oklahoma); Senior, Catcher; San Diego, Calif.
Amanda Scarborough (Texas A&M); Freshman, Pitcher; Magnolia, Texas
Jamie Southern (Fresno State); Senior; Pitcher/Utility; Clovis, Calif.
Kristin Vesely (Oklahoma); Junior, Outfield; Phoenix, Ariz.
On May 31 the list will be cut to three and those final three players will travel to Oklahoma City for the announcement of the winner at the 2005 NCAA Women's College World Series.
A replica of the award will be placed in a permanent display in the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, along with photos of the winner. An additional replica of the award will be presented to the player's academic institution.
Florida State's Jessica Van der Linden was selected as the 2004 winner after leading her Seminole's to the ACC title and a berth to the Women's College World Series. Past winners of the award include Stacey Nuveman (UCLA-2002) and Cat Osterman (Texas-2003).
Sunday, May 24
Saturday, May 23
Saturday, May 23
Friday, May 22
