EUGENE –


Oregon Softball

true freshman

Rylee McCoy

keeps making an impression. On Thursday, the athlete from California was announced as one of the three finalists for the NFCA Freshman of the Year award.

program history.

McCoy and the rest of Oregon’s softball team are chasing a national title. The Ducks, who entered the 2025 season with a new-look team, a

freshman-heavy roster

And several key figures from the previous season didn’t just achieve success in the Big Ten; they also dominated the league.

The Ducks only lost three conference games throughout the entire season, securing 19 victories and eventually claiming the title.

Big Ten

regular season championship.

There are multiple factors that have contributed to Oregon’s

success

For instance, aspects like its coaching staff, the guidance provided by upperclassmen leaders, and additional factors come into play. Nonetheless, one of the standout elements has been how effortlessly the team’s newcomers—its freshman players—have adjusted to collegiate-level softball.

In particular, McCoy has been instrumental for the Ducks throughout the entire season and has significantly contributed to Oregon’s achievements. At bat, her aggression stands out. This year, she tied the school record with 19 home runs, a feat that has greatly aided Oregon’s progress.

NCAA

The Eugene Super Regional, starting this weekend against Liberty, is set to begin.

Not only is she among the top players in her conference, but she also stands out as one of the finest across the country. In terms of Division I rookies this season, McCoy tops the charts in slugging percentage (.859), takes fifth place in home runs, holds sixth position in RBIs (58), and claims tenth spot in batting average (.396). Additionally, she leads the Ducks team in home runs, RBIs, and slugging percentage and shares the school record for most extra-base hits in a single year at 31.

The native of Agoura Hills, California, earned

first-team

McCoy received both All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Freshman accolades and was selected for the conference’s all-defensive squad as a first baseman, demonstrating exceptional skill. She has made only one mistake out of 234 opportunities, resulting in a remarkable fielding average of .996.

McCoy has not let her age nor her experience define her. She has found ways to deliver in the

biggest moments.


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At the NCAA Eugene Regional, McCoy hit .400 with two home runs and six RBI. She launched her 18th homer of the season in the first inning of the Ducks’ opening win over Weber State, and on Championship Sunday, she tied the

school record

With a crucial three-run homer in a vital game versus Stanford.

Currently, she and the Ducks are advancing to the NCAA Eugene Super Regional to face Liberty, with their eyes set on reaching Oklahoma City. The NFCA Freshman of the Year award will be revealed on May 27, right before the start of the Women’s College World Series.

It remains uncertain whether McCoy will participate in the Super Regionals because of an injury. During Game 2 against Stanford last Sunday, she was hit by a two-out single in the face at first base, which knocked her out of the contest.

Regardless of whether her injury ends her season, McCoy’s influence on this Oregon team has been clear.

The Ducks will carry on with their postseason journey on Friday evening at 7:00 PM PT versus the Liberty Flames.

This piece was initially published on

www.si.com/college/oregon

as

Rylee McCoy, Oregon Ducks Softball’s Rookie, Makes It to Finals for Freshman of the Year

.