Benning Shines with NFCA Second Team All-Region Honor – A Proud Moment for UNF Athletics!

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – North Florida’s Allison Benning is on a roll! Recently, she earned Second Team All-Gulf Region honors from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). This marks a proud moment, as she becomes the first Osprey to achieve this honor twice in the program’s history.

Benning’s accomplishments continue to impress. She has already secured a spot on the NFCA All-Region team in 2024 and also holds multiple accolades, including ASUN Player, Pitcher, and Scholar-Athlete of the Year, plus ASUN Tournament MVP. These achievements illustrate her versatility and skill on the field.

Interestingly, Benning stands out in her region as one of only three players from a mid-major school to receive this recognition. Alongside her are Autumn Courtney from Florida Atlantic and Taylor McKinney from Troy, showcasing the talent present outside of the traditional powerhouse programs.

Her head coach, Jeff Conrad, praised her unique talent: “Benny impacts games in so many ways. This honor is just the beginning for her.”

Looking ahead, Benning and her teammates will take the field in the NCAA Columbus Regional from May 16-18, starting with a match against Virginia on Saturday at 3 p.m., available to watch on ESPN+.

This season has seen remarkable growth for mid-major programs in softball, with a noticeable increase in player recognition. For instance, a recent survey by the NCAA highlighted that mid-major teams have both competitive standings and rising star players, challenging the dominance of larger schools.

With Benning’s continued success, she not only serves as an inspiration for her teammates but also highlights the depth of talent found in collegiate sports today.

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