Sangamon Sun

Illinois College pitcher Julia Drake has been named to the All-Region team by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) for the second consecutive year. The NFCA announced that Drake was selected as a third-team All-Region IX player.

Hailing from New Athens, Illinois, Drake ended her season with a 12-8 record and an ERA of 3.45. She topped the conference leaderboard with 137 strikeouts. In Midwest Conference play, she achieved a 7-1 record with one save and an impressive 1.57 ERA, alongside leading the league with 59 strikeouts.

Drake is a two-time Midwest Conference Pitcher of the Year and holds the record for all-time strikeouts at Illinois College, concluding her career with 432 Ks. This season, she also earned first-team All-Conference honors and was recognized as the league's Pitcher of the Week in April.

The NFCA awards recognize student-athletes from ten regions by selecting them for one of three teams. NFCA member head coaches nominate and vote for winners within their regions.

All regional honorees will be considered for selection to one of three NFCA Division III All-America teams. The announcement will take place on May 29 during the NCAA Division III Finals banquet in Marshall, Texas.

The NFCA serves as a professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches, known for its esteemed coaches' polls and All-America awards. It provides education and support through various means such as podcasts, awards, in-person events, and its National Convention.