CLINTON, Iowa – Incoming Ashford University softball player Heidi Riley was named the Gatorade Softball Player of the Year in the state of Montana on Wednesday when the award was announced by ESPNHS.
The Billings, Mont.-native hit .449 with four home runs while leading Skyview High School (18-6) to the Montana Class AA state tournament consolation semi-finals. In addition, the 2012 Class AA First Team selection swatted 11 doubles, five triples and scored 26 runs while driving home 26 runners. She ends her prep career as the state-career record holder in doubles, 45.
The award winner is selected based on the program's three pillars: athletic production and impact in the 2011-12 season, high academic standards and high academic achievement and exemplary personal character.
Riley holds a 3.33 grade point average and volunteered locally in Billings with a community-beautification program, as a youth softball coach and by providing meals to needy families at Thanksgiving. She inked her commitment to Ashford back on January 24.
As a state award winner, Riley becomes a finalist for the National Gatorade Softball Player of the Year Award, which is scheduled to be announced later this month.
