Simpson softball standout Megan Heidelbauer made history Thursday when she was awarded a Rawlings Gold Glove from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association, becoming the first player in Storm history to garner the prestigious honor.

The NFCA Second Team All-American and A-R-C Position Player of the Year added to her trophy mantle with the highly coveted Gold Glove award. On the year, Heidelbauer flashed the leather with a conference-leading 348 putouts along with 13 assists.

The junior was a part of 23 of Simpson’s 26 double plays during the season, the most in the A-R-C, and nine more than second overall. Her near perfect .994 fielding percentage was also top on the team with 50 more total chances.

Recipients of the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, presented by the NFCA, were selected by the 10 regional representatives of the NFCA’s NCAA Division III All-America Committee, following regional voting to identify the finalists at each position. The group utilized fielding statistics and school-submitted video to closely examine finalists and select the winners at every defensive position.