Audrey Vandagriff NFCA Freshman of the Year Finalist

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.- Alabama freshman outfielder Audrey Vandagriff continues to carve out her own lane in her first season with the Crimson Tide. On Thursday, she was recognized for her efforts, becoming one of the top-three finalists for the NFCA Freshman of the Year award, a distinction last achieved by Montana Fouts in 2019. Additionally, on Tuesday, she earned spots on both the Freshman All-American Team and Second Team All-American.

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Standing at 6 feet tall and hailing from Bogart, Georgia, Vandagriff has been a dynamic and consistent force for Team 29, starting in all 55 games this season. Her elite speed and base-running instincts have made her a nightmare for opposing defenses. She currently leads Alabama in stolen bases with 50, making her the third player in program history to eclipse this mark in a single season, and the first since current assistant coach Kayla Braud, who recored 58 as a sophomore in 2011.

Vandagriff burst onto the national radar early in the season, setting a school single-game record with five stolen bases in Alabama's win over Western Michigan on February 9, signaling the beginning of a promising season for the Crimson Tide phenom.

During the Candrea Classic from February 7-9, Vandagriff led the team with a .583 batting average, going 7-for-12 with six runs scored, six RBIs and nine stolen bases. At the Clearwater Invitational from February 14-16, she went 8-for-17 (.471) with five runs and four RBIs. Against Ohio State, she stole four bases, marking the first time in program history that a player has done so twice in one season. In the T-Mobile Crimson Classic, she recorded three-hit performances against both Furman (March 1) and UAB (March 2). She continued her hot streak at Samford (March 4), going 2-for-4 with two stolen bases. Vandagriff racked up four more steals during the Spring Break Showdown (March 7-8).

She has consistently racked up bases and maintains a solid batting performance for the Crimson Tide. Not only does she lead the team in stolen bases, but she also boasts a .406 batting average, 69 hits, 51 runs scored, eight doubles, and 37 walks.