MARSHALL, Texas – Capping off a standout season for East Texas Baptist University, Emma Boren has been named a finalist for the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division III Freshman of the Year. She is one of four selected for the award after being the Region X Freshman of the Year.
 
Boren is one of 10 finalists nationally for the prestigious award and is also one of four shortstops among the national finalists.
 
Starting all 45 games this season, Boren hit .333 at the plate with 40 hits, 18 runs scored, 20 RBI, four doubles, one triple, and one home run. She also posted a .420 on-base percentage while drawing 18 walks. Defensively, she recorded 56 putouts and 77 assists with a .971 fielding percentage.
 
The NFCA Division III Freshman of the Year award annually honors the top freshman student-athlete in NCAA Division III softball. The finalists and winner are selected by the NFCA Division III All-America Committee, which includes representatives from each of the NCAA's 10 regions.
The 2026 NFCA Division III National Freshman of the Year winner will be announced on May 26.
 
ETBU won 39 games this year, won the American Southwest Conference Tournament Championship, and hosted the NCAA Division III Marshall, Texas Regional Tournament.