Newman is one of eight freshman—one from each of the eight NCAA Division II regions—to make the list after compiling a 16-3 record with three saves, a 1.83 ERA and 182 strikeouts inside the pitcher’s circle this season.
A second-team All-GLVC and D2CCA All-Midwest Region honoree, Newman has won her previous 14 decisions since starting the year with a 2-3 record. Newman has held opponents to a .177 opponent batting average during her rookie campaign.
Newman is the second player in program history to be a finalist for NFCA Division II Freshman of the Year honors. Jennifer Leonhardt ’20 landed on the same list as a freshman in 2017.
The No. 10 Screaming Eagles open the NCAA II Midwest Super Regional Thursday at 11 a.m. when they host No. 21 Grand Valley State University in game one of the best-of-three series at the USI Softball Field. Game two is Friday at noon, while game three, if necessary, is Friday at 2:30 p.m. at the USI Softball Field.
National Freshman of the Year honors will be awarded next Thursday, May 26.
2022 Schutt Sports/NFCA DII National Freshman of the Year Finalists
Atlantic – Caleigh Rister, California University of Pennsylvania
Central – Leigha Harris, Harding University
East – Jessica Klein, Caldwell University
Midwest – Josie Newman, University of Southern Indiana
South – Ashley Connor, Nova Southeastern University
South Central – Kaiden Boren, Cameron University
Southeast – Lydia Taylor, Emory & Henry College
West – Paige Donnelly, California State University San Marcos
