Stephanie Schoonover, a junior pitcher for the Kentucky Wildcats softball team, has been named the D1Softball National Pitcher of the Week, marking the first national honor of her career. The announcement came on Tuesday, February 22, just one day after she was named the Southeastern Conference’s pitcher of the week. Schoonover had an impressive showing in the past week, pitching 16.2 innings across three games, with two wins and a save added to her record.
Schoonover pitched two complete-game shutouts against McNeese and No. 22 North Texas, with the latter game including a no-hitter where she set a new school record with 18 strikeouts. She also recorded a save against Sam Houston State, striking out five batters in just 2.2 innings. Her 11 strikeouts on Friday were a new career-high, but she outdid herself on Saturday night with her 18 strikeout no-hitter against the Mean Green. She allowed just two hits over the entire weekend and has a current streak of 11.2 innings without allowing a hit.
Schoonover’s outstanding performances on the mound have been key to the success of the Wildcats this season. The team is currently ranked No. 15 in the country and will play at Loyola-Marymount on Tuesday before heading to Palm Springs for the annual Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic over the weekend.
The recognition from D1Softball and the SEC is a testament to Schoonover’s hard work and dedication to her craft. This honor is not only a reflection of her own talent but also of the coaching staff and the team’s efforts as a whole. Schoonover’s accomplishments serve as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere who aspire to achieve greatness in their respective sports.
As the Wildcats move forward in their season, they will undoubtedly continue to rely on Schoonover’s talents on the mound. With her recent achievements, she has proven that she is one of the top pitchers in the country and will be a force to be reckoned with as Kentucky faces tough competition in the coming weeks.
Congratulations to Stephanie Schoonover on being named the D1Softball National Pitcher of the Week. The entire Kentucky softball community is proud of her and wishes her continued success in her future endeavors both on and off the field.
