Reefe and Shearer Named Gatorade Players of the Year

COLLEGE PARK, MD -- Incoming Maryland softball freshmen Delaney Reefe (Frederick, Md.) and Julia Shearer (Hatfield, Pa.) were both named Gatorade Players of the Year in their respective states, the Gatorade company announced Friday.

"Delaney and Julia are special," said head coach Mark Montgomery, who led the Terps to their best season in more than a decade with 38 wins in 2023." They are amazing competitors and they lead their teams both on and off the field. We are so excited to have them joining the Maryland Softball family next season."

The award, which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the field, distinguishes Reefe as Maryland's best high school softball player. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year award to be announced in June, Reefe joins an elite alumni association of state award-winners in 12 sports, including Jordyn Bahl (2020-21, Papillion-La Vista High School, Neb.), Megan Faraimo (2017-18, Cathedral Catholic High School, Calif.), Rachel Garcia (2014-15, Highland High School, Calif.) and Cat Osterman (2000-01, Cypress Spring High School, Texas).

Reefe led the Hawks to a 20-3 record and the Class 4A state championship this past season. Reefe compiled a 20-3 mark in the circle with a 1.04 earned run average, striking out 170 batters while walking just 26 in 135 innings. A natural catcher pressed into service as a hurler, Reefe batted .557 with 11 home runs, 33 runs scored, 37 RBI and a 1.200 slugging percentage.

"I am extremely honored to be named Gatorade Maryland Softball Player of the Year," said Reefe. "To have received this recognition my senior year feels surreal, and I will carry it with me as I play at the University of Maryland this fall. I am so grateful to have been given these opportunities to represent the state of Maryland!"

The 5-foot-10 senior right-handed pitcher has maintained a weighted 4.35 GPA in the classroom, while also volunteering locally with Urbana High School's Safe & Sane program, which addresses the dangers of drinking/drug use and driving. She has also donated her time as a youth softball coach.

Shearer led the Knights to a 25-0 record and a berth in the Class 6A state quarterfinals. The state's returning Gatorade Player of the Year, Shearer posted a 25-0 record in the circle with a 0.23 ERA entering the postseason round of eight. She struck out 323 batters while walking just 13 in 153 innings. Ranked as the nation's No. 21 recruit in the Class of 2023 by Extra Inning Softball, Shearer batted .645 with 10 home runs, 49 runs scored and 30 RBI. She swiped 18 bases and compiled a .710 on-base percentage and a 1.171 slugging percentage.

"It's such a huge honor to get this award and go out my senior year with a bang," said Shearer. "I can't wait to keep working and improving my game through the rest of high school ball and travel so I am ready to play at my highest potential when I get to Maryland."

The 5-foot-8 senior left-handed pitcher has maintained a 3.85 GPA in the classroom while volunteering locally as part of a fundraising campaign to benefit pediatric cancer research. She has also donated her time with Almost Home Dog Rescue, which saves homeless dogs, and as a youth softball coach.

The two incoming Terps played their prep careers together for Newton Rock based out of Newton, Pa., and will join the Maryland roster this coming fall. The list of all 50 Gatorade Players of the Year can be found here.

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