Players of the Month: Atwood, Canady, Beachum, Rothrock

Each month Softball America’s staff votes on a hitter, pitcher and a pair of freshmen that made a difference in the past month. Here are the choices for the first month of the 2024 season.

Statistics through March 3 games 

February-March Player of the Month: Reese Atwood, Texas 

Statline: .527 BA, 1.720 OPS, 6 2B, 10 HR, 37 RBI

Atwood went on a tear during the first month of the season leading the Longhorns to the No. 2 spot in our poll most of the way. If Texas is to challenge Oklahoma for the title, the catcher’s rise to stardom will be a big part of that.

February-March Pitcher of the Month: NiJaree Canady, Stanford

Statline: 6-2, 0.57 ERA, 0.54 WHIP, 102 SO, 61.2 IP

Canady and Atwood had a fun battle in Austin in which both came out successful. The Cardinal arm has had a target on her back with teams knowing how special she is and her wins against Texas and Georgia are even more special because of that.

February-March Freshman Player of the Month: Jaysoni Beachum, Florida State

Statline: .511 BA, 1.379 OPS, 3 2B, 4 HR, 16 RBI

Beachum has made an instant impact in Florida State’s lineup. The third baseman currently leads the Seminoles in batting average and RBI. It’s not often a freshman can hit over .500 in their first month but the future is bright for Beachum.

February-March Freshman Pitcher of the Month: Keagan Rothrock, Florida

Statline: 8-2, 0.67 ERA, 0.53 WHIP, 74 SO, 62.1 IP

Rothrock has been everything Florida had hoped for when searching for its next ace. She’s done a tremendous job shouldering the load for the Gators during the non-conference season. Hard to fault her in the two losses when she made one bad pitch against Oklahoma State and didn’t allow an earned run in 10 innings versus Michigan.