ANGOLA, IND.-- Trine's Haleigh Daniels, a member of the Thunder softball team, has been named the recipient of the school's Shari Coons Award for outstanding female student-athlete.
The award is presented to the senior female student-athlete that best embodies the qualities of leadership, character, citizenship, scholarship and the spirit of true competition. Daniels (Hamilton, Ohio/Hamilton) is a team captain who has started at shortstop for the Thunder the last four years. Over that span, Daniels has helped the Thunder to three regular-season and three MIAA Tournament titles. Daniels graduated yesterday with a 3.51 GPA while majoring in psychology and a minor in criminal justice.
Daniels has been named to the Trine President's List two times as well as the Dean's List. She has worked with the sports information department the last two years, even filling the role of Sports Information Director for an extended period.
"Haleigh embodies everything we hope for in our student-athletes at Trine," said Don Danklefsen, head coach of the Thunder softball team. "She has worked hard her entire career both on and off the field, and has the determination to succeed in anything she does."
Daniels accomplishments on the field have left her name all over the Trine softball record books. As of the time of writing, she ranks third in school-history in doubles (36), fourth in games started (167), eighth in RBI's (94), ninth in total bases (216), 10th in hits (157) and is the school's all-time leader in double plays turned (22).
This season, Daniels is having all-conference worthy campaign. She is batting .402 with three homers, 28 RBI's and 11 doubles. The All-MIAA teams will be announced this week. Daniels was previously Second-Team All-MIAA last season.
Daniels and the Thunder await their selection to the NCAA Regionals. The tournament field will be announced Monday morning at 10 a.m.