Louisville, Ky- the National Fastpitch Coaches Association named William Carey's Jayden Sawyer the NAIA Pitcher of the Year this week. Sawyer is the first ever recipient from William Carey to win the award.
 
Sawyer put together a banner year for the Lady Crusaders, helping lead the team to 41 wins and SSAC regular season and tournament championships. She led the NAIA in strikeouts with 251 and ranked second nationally with a 0.85 ERA over 181 innings in the circle. She was responsible for more than half of the Lady Crusaders' win total with 24. Out of her 27 starts, she tossed 21 complete games- 13 of those resulting in a shutout. Sawyer's opponents had a tough time reaching base, much less scoring. Her opponent's batting average was a dismal .124 and she only allowed 25 (22 earned) runs all season.
 
"Jayden is a special individual," said Head Coach Wendy Hogue. "Not only is she among the most talented players in the game, she is one of the absolute best teammates, as well. What a well deserved honor for her to be recognized as the best in the NAIA. I'm very thankful she's a Crusader," Hogue added.
 
Sawyer's rewards weren't limited to being named the NFCA Pitcher of the Year, either. She was also chosen as the SSAC Co-Player of the Year, SSAC Pitcher of the Year, and SSAC Newcomer of the Year. She was named as a First Team selection on the SSAC All-Conference team, SSAC All-Tournament Team, First Team NAIA All-American, and First Team NFCA All-American.