Sara Vanderford’s 2021 season was one for the record books. Vanderford finished top-five all-time in Texas State’s single-season records for home runs, doubles, total bases, RBIs and hits. She also led the Bobcats at the plate by becoming the second Texas State player in history to bat over .400, finishing at .405 on the year — the best average on the team.
The Deer Park native picked up multiple conference awards throughout her stellar campaign, being named Sun Belt Player of the Week three times throughout the season. When it came time for end of season awards, the Sun Belt named Vanderford all-conference First Team, All-Tournament Team and Freshman of the Year.
Vanderford’s emergence as one of the Sun Belt’s top players in her first full season of college softball makes her the Daily Record’s Newcomer of the Year,
