NEWARK, NJ | Rutgers University-Newark softball junior Samantha Morton was named Rutgers University-Newark Woman of the Year by the New Jersey Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (NJAIAW).
The NJAIAW celebrates the women and girls of New Jersey and their contributions to the sport. The group awards Woman of the Year accolades to outstanding female student-athletes from high schools, colleges, and universities throughout New Jersey for their significant contributions to their institution and community through athletic accomplishments, academic success, and community involvement.
"Sam is an ideal representation of leadership and has left her mark on our program," said head coach Caitlyn Seamster. "We are so proud of all of her accomplishments, not only on the diamond but also in the classroom and I can't wait to see what the future holds for her.
As a junior Morton's season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic but in the four games they were able to play, she drove in a pair of RBIs and had a perfect fielding percentage.
Before her shortened junior season, Morton led all Scarlet Raiders with a .354 batting average and 20 RBIs in her sophomore campaign. In that season where she started all 40 games, Morton recorded two home runs which tied for the team lead.
"It is a great honor to win this award and represent Rutgers-Newark! To be recognized on girls and women in sports day is a dream come true! I chose Rutgers-Newark not only for their nationally ranked Criminal Justice and Psychology programs but because of the awe-inspiring women who have come before me and left their mark. This spring I will be graduating with a double major in Criminal Justice and Psychology and continuing onto Law School in the fall. I would also like to acknowledge with the receipt of this award, the Rutgers-Newark Softball team. I have met so many role model women within this program, this school, and the NJAC conference. While this day is to celebrate the accomplishments we have made let's always continue to #LEADHERFORWARD," said Morton.
The date of February 3, 2021, coincides with the 35th Annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD). Every year, this celebration inspires girls and women to play and be active, to realize their full power. This year, with the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization recognizes the importance of staying mentally and physically healthy during challenging times.
