Photo by: Lucas Morrell
Fricker Named to NFCA Freshman of the Year Top 25 List
4/25/2025 12:01:00 PM | Softball
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh first-year outfielder Kelly Fricker has been named to the NFCA Freshman of the Year Top 25 list, it was announced Friday. The list recognizes the top first-year softball players across the country, with Fricker being one of six players from mid-major conferences recognized and the first Lehigh student-athlete to receive the honor.
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A two-time Patriot League Rookie of the Week, Fricker has enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign. Fricker's .433 batting average ranks second in the Patriot League and 48th nationally. She leads the Patriot League and ranks 16th nationally with 65 hits. Additionally, Fricker ranks in the top three in the Patriot League in runs scored (32), doubles (14) and on-base percentage (.485).
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The West Chester, Pa., native has started all 44 games for the Mountain Hawks, settling in as Lehigh's right fielder and leadoff hitter. Fricker has 21 multi-hit games this season, highlighted by a 4-for-4 effort in an April 4 win over Bucknell. She has 24 RBIs on the season, including a five-RBI performance in a victory at Colgate on April 13. Fricker has been especially potent in Patriot League play, batting .554 (31-for-56) with 17 runs scored, seven doubles and 11 RBIs in 15 games against league foes.
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The 2025 finalists hail from 24 different institutions across 10 Division I conferences. The list of 25 will be trimmed to a top 10 on May 8 and a final three on May 22. The winner will be announced May 27 prior to the start of the Women's College World Series.
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The Mountain Hawks (23-21, 11-4 PL) host Boston University in a key three-game series this weekend at Leadership Park. Saturday's scheduled doubleheader will be Lehigh's Pride Day, presented by Lehigh's Pride Center and Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging. Lehigh will honor its five member senior class prior to Sunday's action.
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Follow Lehigh Softball on X/Twitter and Instagram and like on Facebook for exclusive updates throughout the season.
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A two-time Patriot League Rookie of the Week, Fricker has enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign. Fricker's .433 batting average ranks second in the Patriot League and 48th nationally. She leads the Patriot League and ranks 16th nationally with 65 hits. Additionally, Fricker ranks in the top three in the Patriot League in runs scored (32), doubles (14) and on-base percentage (.485).
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The West Chester, Pa., native has started all 44 games for the Mountain Hawks, settling in as Lehigh's right fielder and leadoff hitter. Fricker has 21 multi-hit games this season, highlighted by a 4-for-4 effort in an April 4 win over Bucknell. She has 24 RBIs on the season, including a five-RBI performance in a victory at Colgate on April 13. Fricker has been especially potent in Patriot League play, batting .554 (31-for-56) with 17 runs scored, seven doubles and 11 RBIs in 15 games against league foes.
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The 2025 finalists hail from 24 different institutions across 10 Division I conferences. The list of 25 will be trimmed to a top 10 on May 8 and a final three on May 22. The winner will be announced May 27 prior to the start of the Women's College World Series.
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The Mountain Hawks (23-21, 11-4 PL) host Boston University in a key three-game series this weekend at Leadership Park. Saturday's scheduled doubleheader will be Lehigh's Pride Day, presented by Lehigh's Pride Center and Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging. Lehigh will honor its five member senior class prior to Sunday's action.
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Follow Lehigh Softball on X/Twitter and Instagram and like on Facebook for exclusive updates throughout the season.
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Players Mentioned
IF/OF
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