via Oregon Tech Athletic Communications
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Three Oregon Tech players were honored this afternoon as members of the NAIA Softball All-America Team, announced by the national office.
Shortstop Kaila Mick was selected as a first-team pick, pitcher Kacie Schmidt was named a second-team All-American, while second baseman Nita Cook was selected to the third-team.
For Mick, a grad student, she joins three other Lady Owls who have earned a trio of All-America honors – as Amanda Doherty, Tara Moates and Ali Graham were also 3-time All-Americans. The fifth-year starter had a remarkable year, hitting .455 with five home runs and 62 RBI, setting school records with 25 doubles and 11 triples, while establishing new Cascade Conference records for hits and runs scored in a career.
Schmidt, a junior, becomes the 11th OIT player to earn multiple All-America awards – having been selected as a first-team pick in 2023. The right-hander finished the year with a 27-9 record an a 1.69 ERA – joining former teammate Sarah Abramson as the only Lady Owls to win 25 games in a season on two occasions.
Cook, a sophomore, had a breakout season, hitting .375 with six home runs, 13 doubles, seven triples, 33 RBI and 21 stolen bases.
Jessup first baseman Sarah Giles was named NAIA Player of the Year, while Cassie Valdez of Our Lady of the Lake was named NAIA Pitcher of the Year.