UHV’s Blinka named NFCA All-American for second straight year
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Claire Blinka capped her career with one of the highest honors a player can receive.
The Port Lavaca native was named to the All-American second team by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association on Thursday. This is the second consecutive NFCA All-American honor for Blinka, who was a second team selection last year as well.
"I am so incredibly grateful for this recognition," Blinka said. "This achievement is a testament to the hours and hours of work I've poured into this sport and it's truly a blessing that it was recognized by others. Like I've said time and time again, this couldn't have been done without the unwavering support from my coaches and teammates. Most importantly though, I have to give thanks to God for blessing me with this talent and giving me the opportunities that He did."
Blinka capped her collegiate career in strong fashion, helping UHV (29-23) reach its 10th NAIA Tournament.
She led the team with a slash line of .424/.468/.779, 48 RBIs, 16 doubles, 13 home runs and three triples. Her marks for batting average, home runs and doubles were all career-highs.
Her 183 games played ranks fourth all-time at UHV. Her career batting average of .388 ranks fifth all-time. She ranks second all-time in home runs with 26 and doubles with 50. She owns the all-time record for multi-hit games with 60 in her five years at UHV.
This year, Blinka was honored on the first team for the All-Red River Athletic Conference and NFCA All-Region I teams.
She did this while playing first base most of the season after primarily serving as a designated player throughout her career.
"I'm thrilled for Claire to be named a repeat NFCA All-American," said head coach Lindsey Ortiz. "Her performance on the field will leave a lasting legacy within our program and our record books. She showed incredible growth this year by not only improving on her All-American offensive performance last year, but by showing up as a top notch defensive first baseman every day as well. Claire has consistently set an example on the field, in the classroom and in the community, and this recognition is very much deserved."
Blinka was one of three RRAC players honored as NFCA All-Americans, joining LSU Alexandria's Julia Kwakernaak and Our Lady of the Lake's Grace Ross.
For a full list of the NFCA All-Americans, click here.