Kelly Harris May 15, 2008

Central’s Harris on softball all-America squad

PELLA—Central College senior catcher Kelly Harris of LeClaire (Pleasant Valley HS) has been chosen for the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-America squad.

Harris is a third-team selection. She becomes the 18th Central softball player to receive all-America recognition and the first since pitchers Libby Hysell and April Miller were chosen in 2003.

Earlier named the Iowa Conference MVP, Harris batted .462, the second-highest season average in school history. She scored a record 49 runs with nine doubles, two triples, a record nine home runs and 30 RBIs. She also stole a team-high 19 bases, helping the Dutch rack up a 101-21 stolen base advantage on opponents. Harris compiled a .978 fielding percentage. Her slugging percentage of .798 was the highest in school history while her .549 on-base percentage ranked second.

Harris was the Iowa Conference leader in hitting, slugging percentage, on-base percentage and runs scored.

For her career, Harris set the school batting average mark at .379 as well as records for total bases (580) and baserunners picked off (48). She ranks second on the all-time career charts in RBIs (112), home runs (15) and stolen base percentage (.866, 71-82) and is tied for second in triples (11).

While Harris was the league MVP, three other Iowa Conference players were tabbed for first-team all-America distinction. Pitcher Angela Hartwig of Wartburg and outfielder Kelsie Host of Simpson were cited while Luther catcher Tami Magner was a first-team at-large pick. Simpson pitcher Calie Hohneke was a third-team at-large selection.

Harris led the Dutch to a 24-16 record.