Erin Coffel, a senior shortstop from Bremen, Indiana, made history by becoming the first-ever three-time National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association (NFCA) All-American in Kentucky Softball history. On Wednesday afternoon, Coffel was voted to the third team of the 2024 All-America roster by the NFCA for the shortstop position.
Record-Breaking Career
Coffel leaves Kentucky as a record holder in several significant offensive categories. She set a new school record for home runs with 68 long balls over her four-year career. Additionally, she holds the Kentucky records for walks, runs batted in, and runs scored.
Stellar 2024 Season
During the 2024 season, Coffel played a crucial role in leading Kentucky to its program-record 15th-straight NCAA Tournament appearance. She hit .317 for the season with 25 extra-base hits, including 12 doubles and 13 home runs. Coffel also scored 38 runs, recorded 46 hits, drew 47 walks, and struck out only 14 times.
Consistent Excellence
Coffel first earned NFCA All-American honors in the spring of 2022 after a record-setting year. She followed that with another All-American selection in 2023, during which she led the NCAA in both walks and on-base percentage, becoming the first player from Kentucky to lead the nation in either category.
2024 Accolades
In addition to her NFCA All-American recognition, Coffel was named First Team All-Southeastern Conference for the second consecutive year. She also earned a spot on the prestigious All-SEC defensive team, with league coaches voting her as the best shortstop in the conference.
Elite Company
Coffel joins an elite group of three-time NFCA All-Americans for the 2024 season, including Tiare Jennings (Oklahoma), Valerie Cagle (Clemson), Jadya Coleman (Oklahoma), Kinzee Hanson (Oklahoma), Skylar Wallace (Florida), and Maya Brady (UCLA).
Erin Coffel’s exceptional achievements and consistent performance have left a lasting legacy at Kentucky. Her contributions have not only set new records but also elevated the program to new heights, marking her as one of the most decorated players in Kentucky Softball history.
Kentucky Softball NFCA All-Americans
2009 – Molly Johnson (SS)
2016 – Kelsey Nunley (P)
2017 – Katie Reed (SS)
2019 – Abbey Cheek (3B)
2021 – Kayla Kowalik (C), Erin Coffel (SS)
2023 – Kayla Kowalik (C), Erin Coffel (SS)
2024 – Erin Coffel (SS)
