Gray Speeds Her Way To NJCAA Third Team All-American Honors

Jacey Gray rounds third and heads home in an NJCAA JUCO World Series game against Sauk Valley. Photo by Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Jacey Gray rounds third and heads home in an NJCAA JUCO World Series game against Sauk Valley. Photo by Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information
Posted: May 27, 2015

By Nicholas Huenefeld/Owens Sports Information

Toledo, Ohio---Jacey Gray (Springfield/Holland, Ohio), a freshman outfielder for the Owens Community College softball team, has been named a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II Third Team All-American as a utility player.

Gray, who started 50 games in right field for Owens, becomes the second straight NJCAA All-American in the program after Brittany George (Elmwood/Wayne, Ohio) earned Second Team All-American accolades last year.

The recognition is just one of many for Gray this year. After batting 74-for-158 (.468) with 45 runs, seven doubles, 26 RBI, 14 walks and 50 stolen bases, she also earned First Team All-Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC), OCCAC Player of the Year, First Team All-Region XII and team MVP honors. Moreover, she was a member of the Region XII District I All-Tournament team and the OCCAC player of the week on May 3.

"Jacey caused so much havoc on the bases this year," said Owens softball head coach Marcus Smith. "Other teams tried to stop her offensively and just couldn't because her speed kills. Not only did she disrupt defenses, but when they were worried about her it helped our other batters."

Gray finished tied for third in the nation in stolen bases, 33rd in batting average and 37th in total hits.

Overall, Gray is the sixth NJCAA All-American in program history. She joins George, Alaina Haubert (2011, Third Team), Amanda Temple (2009, First Team), April Nietrzeba (2005, Second Team) and Kristina Shultz (2003, First Team).

The Owens softball team recently completed its 2015 season with a 32-18 overall record. Along the way, the team captured Ohio Community College Athletic Conference (OCCAC) and Region XII District I championships. The team's season concluded in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II National Tournament, where they finished in the top 12 in the nation. On March 25, the team captured the program's 500th win.

For a full list of NJCAA Division II All-Americans, click here