UO release – LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Fifth-year seniors Terra McGowan and Allee Bunker were named All-Americans by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association on Wednesday. Additionally, McGowan was selected as the Diamond Sports/NFCA national catcher of the year. McGowan was named an NFCA first team All-American for her play behind the plate, while Bunker was a second team selection at second base. This is the first career All-America award for either player. “I cannot say enough about how much those two have meant to me personally and to the Oregon softball program,” said coach Melyssa Lombardi. “For five years, they believed in what we were doing and put the work in every day to set the standard for Duck softball. “It’s extremely gratifying to see them rewarded and recognized nationally for all their efforts,” said Lombardi. “Their impact on the program will be felt for many years to come.” McGowan is the second Duck to be named the national catcher of the year following Gwen Svekis in 2018. She is the 10th player in program history to earn first team All-America status and the fourth catcher joining Jenn Poore (2004), Alexa Peterson (2013) and Svekis. “I am incredibly grateful and humbled to be honored as a first team All-American and the Diamond Sports catcher of the year,” said McGowan. “To have your name amongst some of the greats is a surreal feeling and I appreciate everyone who played a part in this extraordinary honor. “I cannot thank Coach Lombardi, Coach Nikki Ragin, Coach Sam Marder, and every other coach, family member, fan, support staff, and mentor enough for their unwavering support throughout my career,” she said. “I am absolutely indebted to them and the University of Oregon. I will forever be a Duck and cannot wait to see which Duck earns these honors next.” Bunker is just the second Duck recognized at second base and the first to be named to the second team. Kaylan Howard was a third-team selection at second in 2013. “I am deeply honored to have received this amazing award,” said Bunker. “I couldn’t have done it without my family, coaches, teammates, and support staff. “The University of Oregon has helped me grow as a person, student, and athlete and I am extremely grateful for every opportunity I have been given,” she said. “This year with Version 5 has been the most enjoyable one of my career and I’m excited to see what the future holds for Oregon softball.” McGowan and Bunker are the third and fourth players to be named All-Americans under Lombardi.
