Two Kentucky Softball players earn All-SEC honors
The 2024 All-Southeastern Conference softball teams feature two of Kentucky’s own, Rylea Smith and Erin Coffel, who were both named by the league office Friday morning.
Coffel, a senior from Bremen, Indiana was named First Team All-SEC for her third consecutive season. Meanwhile, Smith, a fifth-year senior from St. Louis, Missouri, was named Second Team All-SEC, securing her first All-SEC honor in her career.
The honors come after high statistical success for both players at the end of their 2024 regular seasons.
Coffel earned First Team honors after finishing with a batting average of .336 to go along with 45 hits, 33 RBI, and a .716 slug percentage. The shortstop was also named for the 2024 SEC All-Defensive team for her excellence and leadership in SEC play.
Smith, who earned Second Team honors, tallied a batting average of .371 in addition to 62 hits, 24 RBI, and a .557 slug percentage. The outfielder became a key player for Kentucky’s offensive efforts, ultimately leading to her recognition by the conference.
From Florida, the SEC named Jocelyn Erikson as Player of the Year and Keagan Rothrock as Freshman of the Year. Tennessee’s Karlyn Pickens was named Pitcher of the Year and the Volunteers’ head coach Karen Weekly was named Coach of the Year.
Coffel and Smith will have one more run with Kentucky before their college careers come to an end. The Wildcats (30-22; 8-16 SEC) are expected to make the 2024 NCAA Tournament field, which will be announced on Sunday night at 7:00 p.m. EST on ESPN2.
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