“I can’t say enough about what Stephanie has meant to the team this year,” said softball head coach Lindsay Chouinard. “She has done a great job for us all year, and been very impressive.”

Freshman Stephanie Tofft has clearly exceeded expectations and been the standout player on the NIU softball team in her first season, being named the Northern Star’s No. 8 Huskie of the Year.

Tofft broke the school record for most consecutive games with a hit back on April 1, when she recorded her 16th consecutive game with a hit. Since then, Tofft has extended it to 36 games and counting, beginning March 4.

The California native leads the Huskies in just about every offensive category this year. She leads the team in hits with 67 and has a .444 batting average.

Tofft also leads the team in runs scored with 41, doubles with 15, and is tied for first in RBIs with 35.

She has also stepped up as a pitcher when injuries hurt the team, earning three wins as well as one save.

Tofft has done it all this year, and is a big reason why the Huskies have been competitive and consistent all year long.