LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Oklahoma City University’s Jaci Smith has been named the 2019 Schutt Sports / NFCA NAIA National Player of the Year, the Association announced on Monday. 

A three-time first-team NFCA All-American, Smith registered one of the most productive offensive seasons in NAIA history. She posted NAIA single-season records with 119 RBI and 114 runs scored as well as a school-record 222 total bases.  

The senior catcher also led the NAIA with 29 doubles, 28 homers, RBI, RBI per game (1.78) and home runs (0.42) per game. Her 1.047 slugging percentage, 103 hits and runs scored per game (1.70) ranked third nationally. Smith, a three-time Diamond Sports/NFCA Catcher of the Year, hit .486 with three triples, 36 stolen bases and a .580 on-base percentage.

Smith also set a NAIA World Series single-game record with three doubles against Southern Oregon, which helped the Stars force a winner-take-all championship game. Additionally, she was named NAIA and Sooner Athletic Conference Player of the Year

The award was voted on by the members of the NFCA’s NAIA All-American Committee. 

Schutt Sports / NFCA NAIA Players of the Year

2018 – Emily Cerny, University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma

2017 – Kaisey Carson, Indiana Wesleyan University

2016 – Nicole Nonnemacher, Saint Xavier University