Former Bama Softball Star Named Sportswoman of the Year Finalist
Former Alabama softball player, Haylie McCleney, was recently named a finalist for the Sportswoman of the year by the Women’s Sports Foundation.
McCleney is one of twenty finalists on the list and one of ten that made the list in the team sport category.
According to the website, The Women’s Sports Foundation exists to unlock the possibilities in every girl and woman through the power of sport. The Women’s Sports Foundation works to build a future where every girl and woman can play, be active, and realize her full potential.
The foundation is highlighting McCleney as a finalist for her performances in the 2020 Olympic Games and the Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball League. McCleney led Team USA in batting average (.529) during the Olympic Games en route to Team USA’s silver medal run. The Tide alum ranked twelfth overall out of 61 players in the AUX softball league during the 2021 season recording a .396 batting average.
The Morris, Ala. native was a member of the Crimson Tide softball program from 2013-16 where she led the Tide in batting average, on-base percentage, walks, and triples.
The other nine finalists for sportswoman of the year in the team sport category include Lindsey Zurbrugg (wheelchair basketball), Maggie Steffens (water polo), Mallory Pugh (soccer), Candace Parker (basketball), Amanda Magadan (field hockey), Hilary Knight (ice hockey), Alex Klineman and April Ross (beach volleyball), Katie Holloway Bridge (volleyball), and Taylor Cummings (lacrosse).
Voting is now open on the official award's website and winners will be announced on October 12, 2022 at the Annual Salute.