Christine Foley, a Loyola University freshman from Santa Monica High, has been named Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year in softball.
Foley, who played the infield and shifted to catcher in her senior year at Samohi, played first base this season on the Lions’ highly successful team. Loyola had a 47-18 record and eliminated UCLA in the regional playoffs.
Foley batted .415.
“Very few freshmen have a year like that,” said Loyola Coach Gary Ferrin. “Her accomplishments were pretty amazing.”
As Foley earned all-CIF honors for Samohi’s Ocean League championship team last season she received attention from four-year universities.
“We sought her very aggressively,” said Ferrin.
Loyola is expected to be strong again next season with many key players returning.