Emma Johnson Named NJCAA Softball Player of the Year

Emma Johnson Named NJCAA Softball Player of the Year
June 6, 2025

Charlotte, NC – A force to be reckoned with, both at the plate and on the field. This sophomore Wildcat made her mark on the North Dakota State College of Science Softball Program. Emma Johnson of North Dakota SCS has been named the 2025 NJCAA DIII Softball Player of the Year.

Johnson was a driving force that led North Dakota SCS to their second World Series Title in 2025. Her performance on the mound was a great asset that pushed the Wildcats to their triumphant season ending. This year, Johnson tossed 103.2 innings while striking out 105 batters. The sophomore registered a 2.30 ERA on the year, 8th best in the nation. To much dismay of the opposing batters, Johnson averaged 7.09 strikeouts per game.  

 "Emma Johnson put together two very solid years as a Wildcat both as a pitcher and hitter in the middle of our lineup.  She won 40 games during her career and had numerous big at bats in pressure situations," said Head Coach, Mike Oehlke.

In the batter's box, Johnson made some noise this season. She harbored a .373 batting average in her 169 At Bats. Her OBP was at a staggering .433 while her slugging percentage reached .615 on the year. With nine home runs and 104 total bases, Johnson garnered 64 RBIs in 2025. Johnson's efforts all season long led the Wildcats to an unparalleled year. Finishing the season as the #1 Nationally Ranked team in Division III Softball, North Dakota SCS ended their season with a record of 54-14-1.

In 2024, the Wildcats came up one game short of the National Title as they fell to Patrick & Henry in the final game. 2025 did not meet such luck as they battled their way to a top to secure their second National Championship win in program history. Johnson's performance at the National Tournament stood out among the rest as she was awarded the Most Outstanding Offensive Player Award. She was an offensive weapon at the tournament as well as a dynamic pitcher and defender.

"Johnson was a tremendous leader on the field and at practice for our program and will leave here as one of our best!" said Oehlke.

2025 Stats

  • .373 Batting Average
  • .433 On Base Percentage
  • .615 Slugging Percentage
  • 2.30 ERA
  • .208 Batting Average Against
  • 7.09 Strikeouts Per Game
  • .95 WHIP

2025 Accomplishments & Awards

  • NJCAA Division III Softball First Team All-America
  • NJCAA Division III Softball World Series Most Outstanding Offensive Player
  • NFCA Division III All-American
  • NFCA Division III Pitcher of the Year

(Story from the NJCAA News Page)