June 14, 2000

Wrapping up the finest season in the history of the program, University of North Carolina softball coach Donna Papa has announced team awards for 2000.

MVP: Michelle Semmes
Best Offensive Player: Michelle Semmes
Semmes, a junior shortstop, was named Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year after leading the team with a batting average of .394, second best in the ACC. Semmes is the third Tar Heel to win the league's top award and wrapped up the season with All-Southeast Region honors. With a year left to play, she already owns UNC's career record for doubles and this spring led the ACC with 17.

Best Defensive Player: Natalie Anter
Anter, a sophomore catcher, was named All-ACC and All-Southeast Region. She compiled a fielding percentage of .991 and threw out 20 of the 40 runners attempting to steal against her. Anter batted .354 with 46 RBI and a team-best nine home runs.

Coaches' Award: Kelly Ramsey
Ramsey, a sophomore, earned third-team All-America recognition as a third baseman and also played catcher for the Tar Heels. She is the fourth UNC player to earn All-America honors. A team captain, she established a school record for RBI in a season with 48 and finished the season batting .361, second on the team.

Hustle Award: Sarah Young
Young, a sophomore, played infield this season after pitching as a freshman. She appeared in 40 games, serving as the back-up at second and short and also as a pinch runner.

The Tar Heels finished 47-17 this season and ranked fifth in the NCAA with a .317 team batting average. Carolina also ranked 17th in the NCAA in winning percentage.