Six Raiders Earn All-FCSAA Recognition; Heyl Named FCSAA Pitcher of the Year

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — On Tuesday morning, the FCSAA unveiled its 2024 All-FCSAA First/Second-Team selections, along with the recipients of the Player and Pitcher of the Year awards. Northwest Florida State softball made a significant mark on the list, securing five First-Team Selections and one Second-Team Selection, with Cailyn Heyl earning the prestigious title of FCSAA Pitcher of the Year.

Among the Raiders' notable First-Team selections are Sister Arnold, Ashlyn Shirah, Christina Mason, Autumn Vessier, and Cailyn Heyl, while Britt Bourgoyne earned a spot on the Second-Team list.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Andy Lee, the program has flourished, producing a total of 14 All-State players since his tenure began in 2020. Last season alone, four players earned this esteemed recognition, following four others in the initial three seasons. This ongoing success underscores a historic year for Lee and the Raiders as they embark on another quest for the FCSAA State/Region VIII Championship, commencing tomorrow at 9:00 a.m. (CDT) with a matchup against the seventh-seeded Seminole State in the tournament's opening round.

Cailyn Heyl (FCSAA PIOTY/First-Team Pitcher)
Freshman | RHP | Central, La.

Previously named the First-team All-Panhandle and Panhandle Conference Pitcher of the Year...is a perfect 31-0 on the year with one save and a 1.42 ERA...111 strikeouts in 173.0 innings pitched...two-time NJCAA Region 8 DI Pitcher of the Week.

Sister Arnold (First-Team Infield)
Freshman | Sneads, Fla.

Previously named First-team All-Panhandle and Panhandle Conference Player of the Year...has played in 55 games...hit .403 with 19 home runs and 76 RBI...two-time NJCAA Region 8 DI Player of the Week.

Ashlyn Shirah - (First-Team Outfield)
Sophomore | Slidell, La.

Previously named First-team All-Panhandle...has played in 55 games...hit .450 with 12 home runs and 73 RBI...NJCAA Region 8 DI Player of the Week on April 16.

Christina Mason (First-Team At Large)
Sophomore | Cantonment, Fla.

Previously named First-team All-Panhandle...has played in 55 games...hit .423 with 13 home runs and 62 RBI...two-time NJCAA Region 8 DI Player of the Week.

Autumn Vessier (First-Team Catcher)
Sophomore | Central, La.

Previously named First-team All-Panhandle...has played in 52 games...hit .339 with 10 home runs and 42 RBI.

Britt Bourgoyne (Second-Team Infield)
Sophomore | Brusly, La.

Previously named First-team All-Panhandle...has played in 51 games...hit .388 with four home runs and 39 RBI.

FULL FCSAA RELEASE: https://region8.prestosports.com/sports/sball/2023-24/releases/20240506zks3re