Steffan Named Third-Team All-American

NU senior second baseman Anne Steffan was tabbed a third-team All-American by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) on Thursday after hitting a team-best .388 and snapping two school records in her final season as a Husker.

 

Steffan not only led the team in hitting, but swiped 32 bases in 35 attempts to break Kim Ogee’s former school record for stolen bases (31). Steffan also hit safely in a school-record 26 games in 2005, eclipsing Ali Viola’s previous mark by seven games.

 

One of the fastest players in school history, Steffan finished with a career-high 80 hits in a banner senior campaign. A first-team All-Midwest region and second-team All-Big 12 pick, Steffan ranked in the top three in the Big 12 Conference in average, hits and stolen bases.

 

A native of Mankato, Minn., Steffan is one of the most decorated players in the rich history of Nebraska softball. She is one of only seven players in school history to record 70 hits in a season, a feat she accomplished twice. Steffan recorded 74 hits in 2004 and with back-to-back 70-hit seasons, she joined Viola and Tobin Echo-Hawk as the only Huskers to accomplish that feat. Steffan finished her career in sixth place on the all-time NU hit list with 217.

Steffan is also one of just six players in NU history to record 200 hits and 100 runs scored in a career. She reached both milestones this season and finished her career with 131 runs scored, fifth-best all-time at Nebraska.

Off the field, Steffan was named a second-team academic All-Big 12 selection for the second straight year and made three appearances on the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

 

The All-America honor is the first of Steffan’s career and adds to an already impressive list of accolades for the 2005 co-captain. Steffan earned three All-Midwest region selections ? including two appearances on the first team ? in her career and was also named to three All-Big 12 teams in her four years at Nebraska.

 

With the third-team All-America selection, Steffan becomes the 12th Husker in school history to be named an NFCA All-American. Her third-team selection was the 20th All-America award in the history of Nebraska softball.

 

Steffan was the 17th overall selection in the National ProFastpitch League draft and will play professionally this summer for the Chicago Bandits.

 

How Steffan’s 2005 Season Ranked in NU School History

Average: .388 (7th)

Hits: 80 (4th)

Stolen Bases: 32 (1st)

 

Steffan on the Nebraska Career Charts

Average: .347 (4th)

Hits: 217 (6th)

Stolen Bases: 81 (3rd)

Hit by Pitches: 16 (2nd)

Runs: 131 (5th)