BLACKSBURG, VA — July 13, 2025
USA Softball Player of the Year Back in the Spotlight: Virginia Tech’s Star Outfielder Named NFCA First Team All-American
In a season packed with highlight-reel moments, walk-off hits, and electrifying catches, Virginia Tech’s own softball superstar, Savannah “Savvy” Grayson, has been named to the NFCA First Team All-American—just weeks after capturing the coveted USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year title.
At 21, the Hokies outfielder has etched her name not only into Virginia Tech history but also into the national conversation surrounding the greatest collegiate softball players of her generation. Standing at 5’9” and wielding both speed and power, Grayson became the heart of the Hokies’ dominant 2025 season.
From her very first at-bat this year, Grayson proved she was in a league of her own. She led the ACC with a .457 batting average, crushed 23 home runs, and tallied 67 RBIs over just 48 games. But it wasn’t just her bat that turned heads — her defensive brilliance in center field drew comparisons to legends of the game. With a perfect fielding percentage and nine outfield assists, Grayson became a dual-threat weapon, feared by pitchers and base runners alike.
The NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) First Team All-American honor is one of the sport’s most prestigious accolades, reserved only for players who consistently dominate in every facet of the game. For Grayson, this honor adds another jewel to an already glittering resume.
“This is about more than numbers,” said Virginia Tech Head Coach Jennie McAlister. “Savannah is a once-in-a-lifetime player — she elevates everyone around her. Her leadership, her passion, and her relentless pursuit of greatness define her as much as any stat.”
But what sets Grayson apart even more is her story. Hailing from a small town in southern Georgia, she was lightly recruited coming out of high school. Overlooked by major SEC programs, she chose Virginia Tech for its underdog grit and a promise from Coach McAlister that she’d have to earn everything she got. Four years later, she’s the face of Hokies softball — and now, an icon in the sport.
When asked about the recognition, Grayson remained humble.
“Honestly, I’m just grateful,” she said during an emotional press conference. “This team, this coaching staff — they believed in me when a lot of people didn’t. I wear that VT jersey with pride every single time. And this is just the beginning.”
Grayson also became the first Hokie in school history to win the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award, beating out high-profile players from UCLA, Oklahoma, and Florida. The honor — given annually to the top player in NCAA Division I softball — is a testament to her nationwide impact.
Despite interest from professional leagues, Grayson has not yet announced whether she will declare for the Women’s Professional Fastpitch (WPF) draft or return to Virginia Tech for her final year of eligibility. What is clear, however, is that wherever she plays next, she will carry with her not only unmatched talent, but also the spirit of a Hokie legend.
As the sun sets on a historic season, one thing remains certain: Savannah Grayson isn’t just in the spotlight. She is the spotlight.
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