JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (February 23, 2026) – For the second straight week, the Atlantic Sun Conference announced a player from the University of North Alabama for a weekly softball award, as senior Katie Simon was named Pitcher of the Week on Monday.
 
Simon had a tremendous weekend at the South Alabama Invitational in Mobile, making three appearances with a 2-0 record and 1.05 ERA. She had 12 strikeouts and just three walks over 13.1 innings.
 
On Friday, Simon pitched a three-hit shutout against Loyola Chicago, going a full 7.0 innings with just one walk and eight strikeouts in a 7-0 win over the Ramblers. She also pitched in relief against UT Martin, tossing 3.2 scoreless innings in a come-from-behind 8-4 victory over the Skyhawks.
 
Simon made a third appearance in the tournament finale against South Alabama with just two runs allowed over 2.2 innings. The Jags had four hits, while the other two opponents combined for just three. Simon's opponent batting average was just .149.
 
Simon is the first ASUN Pitcher of the Week winner from UNA this season. The last UNA player to win the award was her twin sister, Emily Simon, on Feb. 10, 2025. Emily was voted the ASUN Preseason Co-Pitcher of the Year for 2026 along with teammate Alivia Wilken.
 
UNA has now had back-to-back weekly award winners following sophomore first baseman Holly Merritt winning ASUN Player of the Week last week on Feb. 17.
 
Stetson's Nicole Edmiaston won ASUN Player of the Week this week.
 
Simon and the Lions make their home debut on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. to begin a three-game series with Evansville.
 
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