Oregon's Allee Bunker, Terra McGowan recognized as All-Americans
Throughout the past five seasons, Allee Bunker and Terra McGowan have served as cornerstones of the Oregon softball program.
On Wednesday, the pair of seniors were recognized as All-Americans by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
McGowan, Oregon’s starting catcher was named an NFCA first-team All-American, while Bunker was a second-team selection at second base. This marks the first time that either player has received All-American honors during their respective collegiate careers.
“I cannot say enough about how much those two have meant to me personally and to the Oregon softball program,” Ducks’ coach Melyssa Lombardi said in a press release. “For five years, they believed in what we were doing and put the work in every day to set the standard for Duck softball. It’s extremely gratifying to see them rewarded and recognized nationally for all their efforts. Their impact on the program will be felt for many years to come.”
McGowan was also selected as the Diamond Sports/NFCA national catcher of the year. She is the first Oregon catcher since Gwen Svekis in 2018 to receive the honor, and the 10th first-team All-American in program history.
This season, she hit .315 with a team-high 12 homers and 50 RBI. McGowan finished the season with a .996 fielding percentage and threw out a Pac-12-best 13 base-stealers.
“I am incredibly grateful and humbled to be honored as a first-team All-American and the Diamond Sports catcher of the year,” McGowan said in a press release. “To have your name amongst some of the greats is a surreal feeling and I appreciate everyone who played a part in this extraordinary honor. I cannot thank Coach Lombardi, Coach Nikki Ragin, Coach Sam Marder, and every other coach, family member, fan, support staff, and mentor enough for their unwavering support throughout my career.
“I am absolutely indebted to them and the University of Oregon. I will forever be a Duck and cannot wait to see which Duck earns these honors next.”
Bunker is the first Oregon second baseman to be recognized as an All-American since Kaylan Howard in 2013.
“I am deeply honored to have received this amazing award,” Bunker said in a press release. “I couldn’t have done it without my family, coaches, teammates, and support staff. The University of Oregon has helped me grow as a person, student, and athlete and I am extremely grateful for every opportunity I have been given.
“This year with Version 5 has been the most enjoyable one of my career and I’m excited to see what the future holds for Oregon softball.”
This season, Bunker led the Ducks with a .383 average, which ranked ninth in the Pac-12. She hit 10 home runs and tallied a team-high 54 RBI, which ranked fourth in the Pac-12. She was also an all-conference defensive selection after posting a .969 fielding percentage.
