May 31, 2011
STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford junior shortstop Ashley Hansen has been selected as USA Softball's Collegiate Player of the Year, the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) announced today. Hansen is the first Cardinal player to earn this prestigious honor and just the second non-pitcher in the 10-year history of the award.
Hansen put up career offensive numbers in her third season on The Farm. She leads the nation in doubles per game (0.45), while ranking third in batting average (.495) and tied for ninth in on-base percentage (.558). The 2011 Pac-10 Player of the Year, Hansen leads the conference in batting average, on-base percentage, hits (95) and doubles (25).
"My team has been there for me through thick and thin this year, really the past three years. I know that its not just me out there. I have eight other girls in the lineup who are capable of getting the job done and that takes a lot of pressure off of me," said Hansen. "I wish we were here but congratulations to the eight teams here and good luck this week."
Hansen, a native of Chandler, Ariz., recorded 29 multi-hit games and 10 multi-RBI games this year. She struck out just five times all season, making her the third toughest player in the nation to strikeout. She set new Stanford single season records for hits (95), batting average (.495) and slugging percentage (.797), while also ranking in the top-10 with 25 doubles (2nd) and 51 runs scored (t7th).
"From the first day that she set foot on campus, we knew she was not only a special player, but a special person. If you are around her you see right away how likeable she is and how she just does things the right way. You don't become the player she is without a lot of hard work and dedication while learning from those around you," said head coach John Rittman. "This is huge for Stanford and our program to have someone recognized as National Player of the Year. I am so proud of Ashley and all her accomplishments. She is such a team player and very deserving of this honor."
Just a junior, Hansen already ranks among the top-10 in school history in career hits (8th), doubles (3rd), triples (t2nd), RBI (8th) and runs scored (7th).
Hansen and the Cardinal ended the season 42-17 overall and finished fifth in the Pac-10 with a 10-11 mark. The No. 15 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament, Stanford fell in the decisive third game at No. 2 seed Alabama in the Tuscaloosa Super Regional, last weekend. The Cardinal posted its 12th 40-win season under Rittman in 2011 and made its fifth NCAA super regional appearance.
The award, which is considered the top honor in collegiate softball, is designed to recognize outstanding athletic achievement by players across the country. Hansen joins past winners UCLA's Stacey Nuveman, Florida State's Jessica Van der Linden, three-time winner Texas pitcher Cat Osterman, Tennessee's Monica Abbott, Virginia Tech's Angela Tincher and two-time winner Washington's Danielle Lawrie as the top player in collegiate softball.