Softball Signee Mikayla Houge Named Gatorade Iowa Player of the Year

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Incoming pitcher Mikayla Houge (Collins, Iowa) was named the Gatorade Iowa Softball Player of the Year on Thursday (May 28). Houge signed with Virginia last fall and will join the program for the upcoming 2021 season.
 
A longtime standout in Iowa, Houge was named an NFCA First Team All-American for her performance as a junior at the high school ranks. Last summer, she led Collins-Maxwell to the state championship and a 28-1 record. Houge finished the season 27-1 in the circle with a 0.40 ERA.
 
In 158 innings of work, the right-hander struck out 302 batters while issuing just 26 walks. At the plate she hit .502 with 44 RBI en route to earning first team All-State honors and the Ames Tribune Player of the Year award.
 
Houge becomes just the second Cavalier pitching signee to earn a Gatorade Player of the Year honor, joining former  star Melanie Mitchell. Former graduate transfer Allyson Frei also earned the honor in her home state of New Jersey before playing three seasons at Boston College.