Penn State freshman infielder Allison Oneacre was named a top-10 finalist for the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) National Freshman of the Year award, according to a May 7 announcement from the organization.
The recognition highlights Oneacre’s achievements during her first season with Penn State softball. She has set new program records, including the single-season RBI record with 61 runs batted in and the freshman home run record with 18. Oneacre leads her team in several offensive categories such as batting average (.370), OPS (1.303), doubles (13), slugging percentage (.805), on-base percentage (.498), and assists (78).
Oneacre’s performance this season ranks her sixth in total RBI and tenth in home runs within the Big Ten Conference, while also placing among national leaders in both categories. She has earned multiple honors throughout the year, including National Freshman of the Week awards from D1Softball and Softball America, as well as two Big Ten Freshman of the Week distinctions. “The rookie infielder has established herself as a breakout star in college softball throughout the 2026 campaign,” said Penn State officials.
She is only the second player in Penn State history to be listed among NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year Top 10 finalists, joining teammate Bridget Nemeth who achieved this recognition previously. The current list features student-athletes from nine universities across four conferences; Oklahoma is noted as having two finalists this year.
The three finalists for this year’s award will be announced on May 20, with a winner revealed on May 26 by vote of an NFCA committee. To qualify for consideration, nominees must be true or redshirt freshmen nominated by their head coach.
With Oneacre leading its roster, Penn State continues its participation in postseason play at the Big Ten Softball Tournament against UCLA on Thursday night.
