On May 30th, in Oxford, Alabama, the Phoenix College (PC) Softball Team brought home their 9th National Title under Coach Heinz Mueller, in a 3-2 game against Jones Community College.
PC went undefeated with a 5-win, 0-loss record during the tournament in Oxford, Alabama, ending their season with a 42-game winning streak and a cumulative team GPA of 3.25. “How sweet is that!” said Coach Heinz.
“[We] started the season ranked number one and ended the season number one.”
In addition to the National Championship, many players received outstanding awards. Five players were recognized as NJCAA All-Americans, seven players were awarded ACCAC All-Conference, All-Region, and three players made All-Tournament MVP of Region 1 Playoffs.
Brianna Hardy received the Division II ACCAC Pitcher of the Year award, NJCAA Division II Pitcher Of The Year Award, MVP of the National Tournament award, and the Caroline Chilton Outstanding Hitter of the Tournament award. Hardy was also recognized with the Female Athlete of The Year Award for the 2020-2021 academic year by the NJCAA . The “Betty Grable Female Athlete of the Year” award is especially praiseworthy because it is given to the best female athlete of all sports. It is the most highly-regarded award that an individual can receive in college athletics.
Ali Ashner was given Division 2 ACCAC Player of the Year and made All-Tournament Team.
“Winning player of the year means so much to me because I overcame a lot of obstacles to continue to play,” said Ashner. “I couldn’t have won this award without my amazing coaches and my team who pushed me to be my best.”
Coach Heinz also received an award as “Coach of the Tournament” award.
“Our program has flourished every year,” said Coach Heinz, “and what makes this so special are the players that play for you and the passion they show on and off the field.”
“When you win a National Championship and get to see these young ladies work so hard and go through COVID, it is like no other feeling. I just sat back and watched the magic of a group of young ladies achieve their goal.The happiness shown was extremely gratifying,” said Coach Heinz.