LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) has announced the ten finalists, one from each of the NCAA Division III Softball regions, for the 2025 NFCA Division III Freshman of the Year award with Trine University's Whitney Duell among the elite group.

Duell, a native of West Lafayette, Indiana, is one of two finalists still in action this week as part of the super regional round of the 2025 NCAA Division III Softball Championship. Half led their teams to an NCAA berth and all ten were named to NFCA All-Region teams.

Duell stepped directly into the lineup this season, taking crucial roles both offensively and in the field. She has led off the batting order through the season and is fifth on the team with a .379 batting average while coming in second on the team with 55 hits.

In the field, the freshman has established herself as the team's second baseman. She has committed just three errors this season while compiling a .972 fielding percentage and a team high 56 assists.

The recognition adds to a growing list for Duell. She earned second team NFCA All-Region honors last week at second base and was one of five members of the Thunder recognized at the Angola, Indiana Regional as part of the All-Tournament team.

This is the third year in a row that a member of the team has been named a finalist for the award, which was established in 2016. Last season saw Tyra Marcum listed among the finalist while Debbie Hill ultimately won the distinction in 2023. Should Duell win, the Thunder would become just the third team to capture the award twice.