MEDFORD, MA (May 21, 2026) – Tufts University Softball shortstop
Paige Murphy was announced today as one of 10 finalists for the 2026 National Fast-pitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III Freshman of the Year award.
Ten finalists, one from each of the NCAA's 10 regions, have been selected by the Association's Division III All-America Committee. The award annually honors the outstanding athletic achievements of freshmen in NCAA Division III. This year's winner will be announced on May 26.
Today's announcement unofficially recognizes Murphy as the NFCA's Region 1 Rookie of the Year. Late last week, Murphy was named to the NFCA All-Region 1 first team. She was also the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) Rookie of the Year and a first-team honoree.
Murphy led the Jumbos in hitting this season with a .460 mark, which is currently sixth in the Region overall. Her team-high 17 doubles are fourth in the Region, and helped make her one of just five total players in the Region with 100 or more total bases. Ranked top 10 in the Region for on-base percentage (.509), Murphy also hit five home runs, scored 38 runs and finished with 35 runs batted in for 43 games.
At shortstop, her 129 assists are the most in the Region. She helped turn 11 of Tufts' 15 double plays, which ranks third in the Region.
Batting third and playing shortstop, Murphy was a key contributor to head coach
Lauren Ebstein's Tufts team that finished 31-12, earned the #1 seed for the NESCAC regular-season and hosted an NCAA Tournament Regional.
Read the NFCA release
HERE.
--JUMBOS--
