Hoover native Bella Foran earns D-I Rawlings Gold Glove Award as top defensive left fielder

A former Hoover High standout is officially among the best in the nation. The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced on Wednesday that Bella Foran has been awarded the prestigious DI Rawlings Gold Glove Award.

A Defensive Powerhouse

This award recognizes the top defensive player at each position across Division I softball. Foran, who anchored the outfield for Florida Atlantic during her sophomore campaign, was named the top defensive left fielder in the country after appearing in 48 games for the Owls.

Her defensive impact was elite. Foran finished the season with 146 putouts and a .933 fielding percentage, committing only one error across 153 total chances while tallying six assists.

Making History at FAU

The accolades were well-received by the FAU coaching staff. "What a huge honor to be the first in program history to win the prestigious Rawlings Gold Glove Award," FAU coach Jordan Clark stated. "This award is the highest defensive achievement a student athlete can receive for their position. We are so proud of Bella for her amazing season and continuing to put FAU on the map nationally.”

Foran was equally impressive at the plate, posting a .342 batting average and a .443 on-base percentage, finishing the year fourth on the team with 40 hits.

Looking Ahead

As the softball landscape shifts, Foran recently announced her intentions to enter the NCAA transfer portal when it opens on Monday, June 8.

Before her time with the Owls, Foran was a star for Hoover High School. During her senior season, she batted .400 with 11 doubles, three home runs, and 52 RBIs, earning all-state honors and landing a spot on the 205focus.com Birmingham Region Terrific 22.