After a stellar season in which Galveston College advanced to within three games of the World Series championship and finished as the fifth-ranked team in the nation, Whitecaps Karlie Barba and Ella Herrewig were selected as a National Fastpitch Coaches Association First and Second Team All-Americans, respectively.
Barba was also selected as a National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Second Team All-American.
“We had an amazing season this year and Karlie and Ella are both talented players and deserving of these All-American honors by both the NFCA and NJCAA,” said GC Athletic Director and Head Softball Coach, Kelly Raines. “Karlie has been with the program for two years and has developed into a great player and leader, on and off the field, and she has contributed a lot to the team’s success. Ella transferred to GC as one of our international players and had an amazing season.”
Barba, a GC sophomore pitcher and designated player from Pasadena, Texas, played in 61 games this season and accumulated a .432 batting average in 183 at-bats with 27 home runs, 80 RBIs and scored 73 runs. In the pitching circle, the right-handed hurler made 19 appearances and racked up a 10-4 record with a 5.11 ERA.
“I’m extremely honored to be named All-American by both associations and I’m grateful to my teammates and coaches, and to Galveston College for the opportunity to play and study at this level,” said Barba. “It has been an awesome experience. Our goal was to continue what we started last year and make it to the World Series, and we did. I’ll miss my teammates and coaches, who have become part of my family, and I’ll never forget this experience.”
Herrewig, a freshman-transfer infielder from Langley, British Columbia, Canada, also played in 61 games, batted .407 on the season in 194 at-bats with 22 homers, 87 RBIs, 80 runs scored and she swiped 17 bases.
“It’s an honor to be named All-American by the NFCA,” said Herrewig. “I’m proud of what we accomplished this season as a team. It has been an incredible experience playing for Galveston College, and I’m thankful for my teammates and our coaches. We gelled and played extremely well together this season.”
Barba and Herrewig helped lead the Whitecaps to a 46-15 overall record, a NJCAA Division I Region 14 South Conference co-championship, a Region 14 title, a NJCAA DI World Series appearance and a No. 5 nationwide ranking.
For more information about the Galveston College Whitecaps softball program, visit https://www.gcwhitecaps.com/landing/index.
ABOUT GALVESTON COLLEGE
Galveston College was founded in 1967 and is a comprehensive community college providing the residents of Galveston Island and the surrounding region with academic, workforce development, continuing education and community service programs.