Softball voted SC ESPY Team of the Year after record-breaking season

INDIANOLA, Iowa – The Simpson College softball team has been named the 2024-25 SC ESPY Team of the Year following a historic campaign that set multiple program records and marked the team's return to NCAA regional competition.

The Storm posted a 34-9 record, the most wins since 2000 and fewest losses since 2004, while capturing the American Rivers Conference Regular Season Championship for the first time since 2010. Simpson earned its first NCAA Regional berth since 2016, advancing to the regional final before falling to College World Series participant Saint Mary's.

Simpson's offense was among the nation's best, setting single-season program records for runs scored (324), triples (21), home runs (49), RBIs (287) and walks (158). The team ranked sixth nationally in scoring at 7.53 runs per game and posted the third-highest slugging percentage at .575. At their peak, the Storm were ranked No. 13 in the country and No. 2 in the region.

Simpson's individual standouts earned numerous accolades, led by Megan Heidelbauer, who was named an NFCA Second Team All-American and earned the prestigious Gold Glove at first base. Outfielder Ashlyn Steen joined her as an NFCA Third Team All-American, with both players also selected to the NFCA All-Region First Team. Heidelbauer earned A-R-C Position Player of the Year honors and was one of eight Storm players named to the All-Conference teams. The coaching staff's leadership was recognized with the American Rivers Conference Coaching Staff of the Year award.

2024-25 SC ESPYS
J Jensen III - Male Record-Breaking Performer of the Year
Haley Rasmussen - Female Record-Breaking Performer of the Year
Noah Cracraft - Male Newcomer of the Year
Paige Gershmel - Female Newcomer of the Year
Women's Wrestling - Coaching Staff of the Year
Softball - Team of the Year