McLean County Times

Junior Ava Khoury and sophomore Casey Wissmiller from the Illinois Wesleyan University softball team have been recognized by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) for their defensive skills. The duo was announced as recipients of the Rawlings Gold Glove Division III Awards on May 30.

Khoury, a junior first baseman from Columbia, Illinois, achieved a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage this season. She recorded 272 putouts, eight assists, and turned eight double plays. Her contributions were crucial to IWU's strong defensive performance, which saw the team achieve a .977 fielding percentage.

Wissmiller played third base and ended the season with a .982 fielding percentage. She made 40 putouts and 72 assists with only two errors and contributed to two double plays.

The pair were among two sets of teammates honored in the nine-person list of awardees. Texas Lutheran's Lindzee Leal and Annie Kay also received recognition. Other award winners include Tuft's Sophia DiCocco (pitcher), Salisbury's Emily Stockman (catcher), Rowan's Liz McCaffery (second base), WPI's Virginia McKinney (left field), and Lynchburg's Lexi Powell (right field).

Selection for the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards involved regional representatives from NFCA’s NCAA Division III All-America Committee reviewing finalists through fielding statistics and school-submitted videos.

Eligibility for this award required student-athletes to compete in the current championship year and be nominated by their head coach who is an NFCA member in good standing.

Rawlings, established in 1887, is known for manufacturing premium baseball and softball equipment. It is recognized as the Official Baseball, Helmet, Face Guard, and Glove provider for Major League Baseball among other affiliations.

The NFCA serves as a professional organization supporting fastpitch softball coaches through various resources including awards, educational events, and conventions.