AMERICUS, Ga. -- Pitcher Tucker Smith and shortstop Hayley Tierce have been named the Georgia Southwestern State University Department of Athletics top performers for the 2018-19 school year.
Smith, a redshirt junior from Fort Walton Beach, Fla., set the baseball program's record for most wins (9), complete games (6) and strikeouts (89) in a season while allowing the fewest walks per nine innings (1.25). The right-hander earned several postseason awards including Peach Belt Conference Pitcher of the Year, NCAA Division II Conference Commissioners Association All-Southeast Region First Team and National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association All-Southeast Region First Team. Smith was the Peach Belt leader in wins, earned run average (2.11), complete games, innings pitched (115) and ranked second in strikeouts. His national rankings were highlighted in complete games (eighth), WHIP (17th), strikeout to walk ratio (24th) and ERA (29th). In addition to his accomplishments on the diamond, Smith turned in a successful year in the classroom as he was named the GSW Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year (3.945 GPA).
Tierce, a senior from Warner Robins, Ga., finished second in the Peach Belt softball rankings in home runs (12) this spring, fourth in slugging percentage (.626) and fifth in walks (30) and total bases (92). Defensively, she led the league in assists (125) and ranked second in double plays turned (12). Tierce completed her collegiate career as one of the most prolific performers in program history being named a three-time Peach Belt Player of the Week, four-time all-conference player and two-time all-region selection. She graduates as GSW's career leader in slugging percentage (.700), runs scored (159), hits (200), doubles (44), home runs (54), runs batted in (180) and walks (119). In addition, Tierce recently earned the GSW Department of Athletics prestigious Susan Kay Smith Award presented annually to the senior female student-athlete who best represents GSW Athletics through their participation in community service and campus activities outside of athletics, exhibition of sportsmanship and competitive success.
GSW coaches nominate athletes and vote for the recipients of the award.