Devon Wallace named to “Top 50 Watch list”

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Sophomore Devon Wallace was named to the “USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year” watch list on Friday. Oklahoma senior Keilani Ricketts (San Jose, Calif.), won last year’s award.

Wallace was one of eight sophomores on a list that included 27 seniors and 15 juniors. Freshmen are eligible only after competing at the collegiate level. The Top 25 Finalists for the 2013 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award will be announced April 10. While an athlete does not have to be on the “Watch List” to be considered for the Top 25, the eventual USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year will come from the Top 25 Finalists. The Top 10 Finalists will be announced May 8 and the Top 3 Finalists will be announced May 22. On May 28 prior to the start of the 2013 NCAA Women’s College World Series (WCWS) in Oklahoma City, the 2013 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year will be revealed.

Wallace was the first player in Razorback softball history to be named first-team All-SEC last season by the league’s coaches. She was also tabbed as the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2012. After starting all 57 games  last season she led the team in batting average (.367), runs scored (39), total bases (110), walks (53), slugging (.733), RBI (38) and OBP (.548).

The Razorbacks and their star hitter will begin their season at the Red Desert Classic on Feb. 8 in St. George, Utah.