Middletown, Pa.- The Penn State Harrisburg Softball team named Nina Bruno the inaugural winner of the Courtney Pollock Award. The award was created as a tribute to Courtney Pollock, will be given annually to, "The senior who reminds her teammates why they play and love the game of softball! She works hard, is a fighter, and never gives up. Her drive and dedication is an inspiration to all!"
Bruno fits the criteria perfectly, as a senior she stepped up and took over as the teams starter at short stop, recording 71 put outs and 52 assists this season. Bruno also had her best season at the plate, setting career highs in batting average, .273, hits, 27, doubles, 7, and led the team with four home runs. Bruno was also a clutch hitter for the Lions, hitting the go ahead two-run homerun in the Lions matchup with Penn State Berks. She also delivered a walk off single in the Blue & Whites win over Gwynedd Mercy.
Head Softball Coach Tonya Dengler had glowing remarks about Bruno saying, "Nina is Penn State Harrisburg Softball. She represents every quality we hold dear as a program. She is driven and competitive yet humble; kind caring and thoughtful. She is a selfless, hardworking person and player who leads her teammates by example. Just being around her makes you want to become a better version of yourself! I am proud and honored to have coached her and to have been a small part of her amazing story!
Bruno has had all this on field success while balancing a busy life off the field. Bruno is a mom to her daughter Avery, who can regularly be seen cheering her on from the stands. Bruno also works extremely hard to stay in shape, excelling in cross fit, competing in various competitions.
Bruno was honored to win the award saying, "Receiving an award that embodies the legacy of Courtney Pollock is truly an honor, it means a great deal to me. My senior year has been my best year yet and I will forever be grateful I got to spend it with such an amazing group of girls and coaches. Thank you to my coaches, teammates, and family for all of your love and support throughout these years. I will never forget the great memories Penn State Harrisburg has given me."
Courtney Pollock was a native of the Capital Region, and graduated from Lower Dauphin High School in 1999 where she played softball and field hockey and actively volunteered in the community. She graduated from Penn State Harrisburg in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and went on to teach and coach in the Lower Dauphin and Central Dauphin School Districts. Pollock passed away from cancer in June 2013. Pollock was the daughter of Douglas W. Pollock, a Penn State alumnus and collegiate athlete. The Douglas W. Pollock Foundation made a $750,000 donation to support the college's athletics and the naming of the field and softball complex.
Be sure to follow the Lions on Instagram (@pennstatehbgathletics), Twitter (@PSHbgAthletics), and Facebook (Penn State Harrisburg Athletics) for all the latest on Penn State Harrisburg athletics.