McLennan's Kirby & Plunkett receive Rawlings Gold Glove Awards

McLennan Softball first baseman Sydney Kirby & shortstop Erin Plunkett were among the nine players from across the nation to receive the 2023 NJCAA Division I Rawlings Gold Glove Award presented by NFCA. Recipients were selected by the NFCA's NJCAA Division I All-America Committee following regional voting to identify the finalists at each position. The group utilized fielding statistics and school-submitted video to closely examine finalists and select the winners at every defensive position. Any student-athlete that competed in the current championship year and was nominated by their head coach who is a member in good standing with the NFCA was eligible for consideration for this prestigious accolade.

Kirby, from Cypress, appeared in 52 games this year, recording a .993 fielding percentage. She led the team in batting average (.462), on-base percentage (.588), slugging percentage (.823), doubles (21) and walks (31). She was named a NJCAA Division I West All-Region First-Team selection by NFCA, an Academic All-District® selection by College Sports Communicators and a North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference Second-Team All-Conference selection. She received an Associate of Arts in General Studies, graduating with Highest Honors and a 4.0 GPA. She will attend Tennessee Tech University in the fall. 

Plunkett, from Humble, appeared in all 57 games this year, recording a .983 fielding percentage. She led the team in hits (82), triples (8), RBI (57), runs (71) and stolen bases (36). She was named the North Texas Junior College Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year, a NTJCAC First-Team All-Conference selection, a NJCAA Region V All-Region selection and an Academic All-District® selection by College Sports Communicators. She received an Associate of Arts in General Studies, graduating with High Honors, and will attend Angelo State University in the fall.