Fouts, Murphy, Tow Awarded at Alabama Honors Day
The Alabama softball team has a huge weekend ahead in Gainesville, Fla. Prior to that though, three members of the softball team: Montana Fouts, Patrick Murphy, and Kaylee Tow won awards at the 2022 UA Honors Day on Friday.
Pitcher Montana Fouts won the 2022 Student Alumni Award.
"The purpose of the Alumni Student Award is to honor seniors who have excelled in academics and extracurricular activities, shown strength of character and maturity, and displayed exceptional hospitality toward guests and friends of the UA. Nominations are accepted from student organizations, deans, department heads, University administrators, alumni, faculty and friends of the University," said the UA News Center.
Fouts' phenomenal softball career in Tuscaloosa is only the tip of the iceberg. Fouts has used her NIL deals for the better: Be The Blessing and softball camps, just to name a few. Plus, she has been an inspiration to young girls and athletes across the country.
Head coach Patrick Murphy won the Amanda Grace Taylor Watson Distinctive Image Award.
"The award, named in memory of former Capstone Woman Amanda Grace Taylor Watson, is given to a person who exemplifies the essence of the University in all aspects of life," said UA News Center.
Coach Murphy has built an incredible dynasty at Rhoads Stadium, his coaching history speaks for itself: 13 Women's College World Series participants, 5x SEC Coach of the Year, 5 SEC titles, and a national championship in 2012.
However, it is not just his success on the field, but off of it as well. He has been an advocate for players and women's sports: actively discussing the need for safety bases, and shares stories on social media about equality in sports, plus supports other UA Athletics teams, like baseball and adapted athletics basketball, just to name a couple.
"We have so much respect and love for him and he made it truly a family. For him to believe in you, it makes you feel like you can do anything in the world," said former Alabama softball player Bailey Hemphill on coach Murphy after the 2021 WCWS loss to Florida State.
Kaylee Tow was recognized by Omicron Delta Kappa. The well-decorated first baseman has been a crucial part of Alabama softball's success for the last five seasons, including the current Team 26. Tow co-won the 2021 Paul Bryant Student Athlete Award, and was named to Softball America's Top 100 players, sitting at No. 54.
"The purpose of Omicron Delta Kappa is to recognize those students who have attained high standards in collegiate activities, to inspire others to strive for similar attainments, and to bring together students in all areas of college life: scholarship; athletics; campus or community service; social and religious activities; campus government; journalism, speech and mass media; and creative and performing arts," said the UA News Center.
The Alabama Crimson Tide softball team travels to Gainesville, Fla., on Saturday to take on the No. 7 Florida Gators. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. CST on ESPN. Radio coverage will be on Me TV 97.5, beginning at 3:50 p.m. CST.