June 9, 2022

Kepa'a, Wong tabbed as DI Co-Players of the Year

Charlotte, NC – Yavapai (AZ) shortstop Lovey Kepa'a and McLennan (TX) third baseman Caitlyn Wong have been named the 2022 NJCAA Division I Co-Players of the Year.

Lovey Kepa'a | Yavapai

Kepa'a, a First-Team All-America selection, finished the 2022 season as the national leader in home runs (34) and runs batted in (104) while ranking sixth in runs scored (93) and seventh in slugging percentage (1.068). The freshman also became the home run queen, winning the Home Run Derby at the 2022 NJCAA Division I Softball Championship in Yuma, Arizona. Kepa'a smashed 15 home runs to lead the field in round one and did the same in the next two rounds to claim the title.

In addition to being named Co-Player of the Year, Kepa'a was named the ACCAC Player of the Year, First-Team All-Conference, NJCAA All-Region and ACCAC Player of the Week honors during the 2022 season. Kepa'a will continue her academic and collegiate softball career at Grand Canyon University.

Player Profile

Position: Shortstop

Height: 5'10"

Class: Freshman

Hometown: Wahiawa, Hawaii

2022 Statistics

63 games played

.479 batting average

34 home runs

104 runs batted in

93 runs scored

8 stolen bases

.569 on-base percentage

1.068 slugging percentage

Caitlyn Wong | McLennan

Wong, a First-Team All-America selection, led the nation with a .580 batting average. She recorded 91 hits in 58 games this season with 15 doubles, 27 home runs, 91 RBIs, 34 walks and 63 runs scored. Wong helped lead the Highlanders to a second-place finish at the 2022 NJCAA Division I Softball Championship and earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team selection while also being named the Most Outstanding Offensive Player of the tournament.

"CC is one of the best pure hitters I have coached in my 25 years at the college level," said McLennan head softball coach Chris Berry. "More importantly, [Caitlyn] is one of the best kids I have had the pleasure to be around. [Caitlyn] is a servant hearted player that loves her teammates and is always looking to give more than she gets."

In addition to being named Co-Player of the Year, Wong has gathered a slew of awards this postseason. She was named NTJCAC First-Team All-Conference, the NTJCAC Offensive Player of the Year, NJCAA All-Region V, NFCA West All-Region and NFCA First-Team All-American.

Wong will join Kepa'a and McLennan teammate Hailey Hudson at Grand Canyon University next year as a member of the Lopes' softball team.

Player Profile

Position: Third Baseman/Pitcher

Height: 5'3"

Class: Sophomore

Hometown: Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada

2022 Statistics

58 games played

.580 batting average

27 home runs

91 runs batted in

63 runs scored