Sept. 29, 2009

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - Illinois softball and the On Deck Circle Booster Club recently held its annual awards reception, celebrating the 2008-09 season. This year, the banquet was held at the I Hotel and Conference Center with several boosters and alumni in attendance to show their support for Illinois softball. The 2009 senior class was also honored, with Lana Armstrong and Brooke Buzard each taking the microphone to reflect on their Illini careers.

In 2009, Illinois qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2004 and the third time in program history, finishing fifth in the Big Ten. Danielle Zymkowitz became the second Illini in history to earn All-America honors, as she was named the third-team second baseman by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Other Orange and Blue highlights included a record five players earning All-Big Ten honors and Monica Perry setting the single-season strikeout record.

The highlight of the awards reception was the presentation of the individual awards by the coaching staff. Zymkowitz took home the most hardware with three awards, including team Most Valuable Player. This was just the third time in the history of Illinois softball that a team MVP was awarded by the coaching staff. Below is a list of all the honorees:

2009 Illinois Softball Individual Awards
Slugger Award - Hollie Pinchback
Gold Glove Award - Danielle Zymkowitz
Pitcher of the Year - Monica Perry
Igniter Award - Danielle Zymkowitz
Most Improved Player - Katrina Ross
Spirit Award Presented by On Deck Circle - Hope Howell
Kathleen Bryers Award Presented by Scott Bryers - Audrey Gallien
Coaches Award - Ashley Conrad
Scholar Athlete Award - Brooke Buzard
Most Valuable Player - Danielle Zymkowitz