SALEM, Va. — Averett University softball junior shortstop Jessica Long was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-America Third Team, the organization announced Wednesday night at the NCAA Division III Championship banquet at the Salem Civic Center. Long is the first two-time All-American in the program's history after earning All-America Second Team honors at the utility position as a freshman in 2014.

On May 16, Long was an at-large selection to the NFCA Atlantic All-Region First Team, making her eligible for All-America consideration.

A native of Prospect Hill, North Carolina, Long was named the USA South Conference Player of the Year after a stellar season where she led the conference with a .455 batting average, 34 stolen bases and 49 runs scored. The USA South First Team selection recorded 11 doubles, four triples and two home runs. Earlier this season, she became first Averett player in program history to be named Louisville Slugger/NFCA National Player of the Week, and she also earned USA South Player of the Week honors.

A three-time USA South All-Conference First Team selection, Long also has earned NFCA All-Region First Team honors in each of her first three seasons as a Cougar — the first player in program history to accomplish that feat. In addition, she was named the 2014 USA South Rookie of the Year, the 2014 Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) Co-Rookie of the Year and a two-time selection to the VaSID All-State First Team.