North Dakota SCS star pitcher Katelyn Strauss named DIII Softball Pitcher of the Year

Charlotte, NC - Sophomore Katelyn Strauss of North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS)  has been named the 2023 NJCAA Division III Softball Pitcher of the Year.

The right-handed pitcher from Spokane, Washington was a force on the mound for the national champion Wildcats this season. Strauss was named a first-team all-America selection for the second consecutive season this week. They led the nation in strikeouts by a wide margin with 306 total, 74 more than second place in the nation. This was their second straight season leading the country in strikeouts. The sophomore finished the season with a 25-6 overall record, also leading the nation in wins. 

"Katelyn has set the school record for career strikeouts as well as the single season in her years at NDSCS.  She has been named our Conference (Mon-Dak) MVP in both her seasons," NDSCS head softball coach Mike Oehlke said on Strauss.

The Wildcats were named the No.1 overall seed after winning the program's third straight district title. They faced regional opponent Minnesota North-Itasca in the first round where Strauss came in to pitch three innings of relief. The struck out four and allowed zero hits to secure the opening-round win for NDSCS. In the second round, Strauss earned her 23rd win on the season by tossing a complete game against Herkimer (NY), where he gave up six hits and struck out five. The Wildcats faced No. 2 seed Corning (NY) in the semifinal round, with the winner advancing to the national championship game. Strauss tossed another complete game and struck out 11 batters, however, the Wildcats fell 3-2 to the Red Barons.

Entering the elimination bracket with the winner advancing to play Corning, Katelyn Strauss took the circle against Herkimer, and three eight total innings and only earned two runs in the game. The Wildcats advanced to their first national championship game in school history. NDSCS had to win two consecutive games against Corning to become national champions, and the sophomore pitched 10 of the potential 14 innings for NDSCS.

The sophomore was named the 2023 NJCAA Division III Softball Pitcher of the Tournament for the incredible effort in the circle.

"Katelyn has won numerous big games as well as being a prominent leader on our campus.  We wish her well next season at the University of North Dakota and are excited to see what her future holds," coach Oehlke said.

2023 Season Stats

• 40 appearances
• 25-6 record
• 198.2 innings pitched
• 2.29 ERA
• 306 strikeouts
• 10.78 strikeouts per game
• 6 shutouts

2023 Accomplishments

• 2023 National Champion (first in school history)
• 2023 NJCAA DIII Softball First Team All-America Selection
• 2023 NJCAA DIII Softball World Series Pitcher of the Tournament
• DIII Softball Nation Leader in Strikeouts
• NJCAA Overall Strikeout Leader Across all 3 Divisions
• 2023 NFCA National Pitcher of the Year