The Florida Gators softball team ended the regular season last weekend and on Tuesday several players and coach Tim Walton received big accolades.
Walton won SEC coach of the year for the fifth time after leading the Gators to a 50-5 regular season record that included winning the SEC regular season title.
“Today is a very special day for the Gators softball program. I’m extremely proud of our players for being honored by the SEC and the SEC coaches.” Walton told FloridaGators.com. “Our entire program shares these special awards from starters to non-starters and from managers to coaches. I am very thankful to have such a great group of people to be around every day!”
Sophomore Kelly Barnhill highlighted the individual awards for the Gators as she was named SEC pitcher of the year for her work in the circle. Barnhill’s 22-1 record earned this award and is the first Gator to receive this award since Stacy Nelson garnered it in 2009.
Florida also dominated the first team All-SEC team that had six Gators make the team out of the 14 total on the team.
Senior pitcher Delanie Gourley joined Barnhill as pitchers on the first-team after going 18-3 with 0.80 ERA during her final season in Gainesville.
First baseman Kayli Kvistad, left fielder Amanda Lorenz and second baseman Nicole DeWitt all made the team as well. DeWitt also added All-Defensive team to her accolades on Tuesday.
Junior Aleshia Ocasio joined those four on the team as she was named to the team as a utility player. Ocasio has seen time in the circle, at third baseman, and in the outfield this year.
The Gators also had senior outfielder Justine McLean make the second team All-SEC on Tuesday. McLean has used her speed to become one of the fastest players in the SEC.
Rounding out the awards for the Gators, redshirt freshman Sophia Reynoso was named to the All-SEC freshman team after rebounding from a torn ACL last year.
Walton has now had 56 players named to the All-SEC teams and 28 player of the year awards given to his ladies.
The Gators start SEC tournament play on Thursday and they will meet the winner of the Ole Miss/Mississippi State.