Louisiana Tech Softball’s Elena Heng has been awarded a Rawlings Gold Glove, presented by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Heng took home honors as the nation’s best defensive left fielder.
Heng becomes LA Tech’s first player to win the award and is one of seven players from the mid-major level to earn a Gold Glove since the awards inception in 2022. Heng and Liberty’s Rachel Roupe are the only two mid-major players on this year’s Gold Glove class. Heng is just the second true freshman to ever win a Gold Glove.
“Elena Heng is one of the most dynamic outfielders I have coached in my career,” said Tech head coach Josh Taylor. “Her first step and quality reads off the bat allow her to get to balls a lot of outfielders do not get too. Her release and arm accuracy is second to none. Her work ethic is extraordinary and as only a freshman, the sky is the absolute limit for her.”
The Bossier City native played and started in all 57 games in left field for the Bulldogs. She played every inning this season and was named to the All-CUSA Freshman Team. The Airline High School product was perfect in the field, recording a 1.000 fielding percentage with 107 putouts and no errors with 114 chances. Heng showcased her strong arm with a team-high seven outfield assists, while utilizing her speed to track down and take away multiple would-be extra base hits.
“I was in so much shock when Coach Taylor told me the news, and I just couldn’t believe it,” said Heng. “For a short bit, I forgot all he said after he mentioned me earning the golden glove from all the excitement I was feeling. Truly a dream come true, and there is still so much more to go. I am so honored and thankful to receive this award.”
The Gold Glover batted near the top of the Bulldogs’ lineup for much of the season, finishing her rooking campaign with a .321 average, 60 hits, 40 runs and six RBI. Her 40 runs led the team, while she also stole a team-high 16 bases. Heng led the team with 19 multi-hit games.
The top nine defensive players from all collegiate divisions (NCAA DI, NCAA DII, NCAA DIII, NAIA, NJCAA DI, NJCAA DII, NJCAA DIII, Cal JC, NWAC) are recognized with the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, presented by the NFCA. In 2022, the inaugural recipients from NCAA Division I were announced at the NCAA Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, Okla. In 2023, the award expanded to include all the collegiate divisions.
Recipients of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award, presented by the NFCA, were selected by the NFCA’s NCAA Division I All-America Committee, following regional voting to identify the finalists at each position. The group utilized fielding statistics and school-submitted video to closely examine finalists and select the winners at every defensive position.
