DeKALB — NIU head softball coach Christina Sutcliffe has been announced as part of the Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2019 for her alma mater Florida Atlantic University.

Sutcliffe was a pitcher for the FAU Owls softball team from 1997 to 2001, winning 67 career games including two no-hitters.

Her career ERA of 1.47 and opponent batting average of .211 are both ranked fifth in school history, while her career 0.92 average walks per seven innings is the school record.

Sutcliffe credits her coaches and teammates for her success, both on the field and beyond.

“Something like this doesn’t happen without all of my coaches who pushed me beyond my limits,” Sutcliffe said in a July 3 press release from NIU athletics. “My family who gave me the opportunity to play the sport I love, and my friends and teammates who have supported me through all the ups and downs.”

Along with herself, Sutcliffe‘s college coach Joan Joyce will be inducted into the hall alongside her on Oct. 11 in Boca Raton, Florida. Sutcliffe says being inducted with her coach makes the induction into the hall even sweeter.

“Being the sixth class inducted into FAU’s Hall of Fame is an honor beyond words,” Sutcliffe said in an NIU Athletics press release. “To be inducted with coach Joyce as well makes it extra special as she has been my mentor for the last 25 years.”

Sutcliffe has been NIU’s head softball coach for seven seasons, winning the MAC West divisional title in 2017 and leading the team to a 27-25 record this past season.