Jordyn Bahl of Papillion (Neb.)-La Vista High School was named the 2020-21 Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year. Bahl captured the prestigious award for her accomplishments on and off the field, joining an impressive group of former Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year winners who have combined for 15 gold medals and four National Championships.

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Bahl as the nation’s best high school softball player. A national advisory panel comprised of sport-specific experts and sports journalists helped select Bahl from nearly half a million other student-athletes who play softball nationwide. 

The 5-foot-7 senior right-handed pitcher led the Monarchs (36-0) to a second consecutive perfect season and the Class A state championship. The state’s returning Gatorade Softball Player of the Year posted a 27-0 record with a 0.10 ERA. Bahl surrendered just 27 hits and 15 walks in 137 innings pitched, while striking out 316 batters. Captain of both the Lincoln Journal Star Super-State team and the Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska team, Bahl batted .510 with 20 home runs and 55 RBI. 

Bahl topped the list of state winners in softball, who collectively boast an incredible list of accomplishments, including eight returning state Gatorade Players of the Year, 25 with a GPA of 4.0 and above and 32 who have signed National Letters of Intent or made verbal commitments to play softball at NCAA Division 1 universities.

A devoted member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Bahl has volunteered locally on behalf of Open Door Mission, a food bank, the Salvation Army and a softball program for physically challenged children. Bahl has maintained a weighted 4.37 GPA in the classroom. She has signed a National Letter of Intent to play softball at the University of Oklahoma this fall.

“What makes this award special is we look at the whole person, not just their athletic achievements,” said Gatorade Senior Vice President and General Manager Brett O’Brien. “People like Bahl demonstrate how athletes can make a difference and why it’s important to encourage others to follow her lead.”

To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners or to nominate student-athletes, visit playeroftheyear.gatorade.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/GatoradePOY or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/Gatorade.

- Courtesy of Gatorade