A former Pella Christian softball player was recognized among the best collegiate players in the country. Lizzy Van Manen, a 2017 Eagles graduate, was named the NJCAA Division II Catcher of the Year by Diamond Sports and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Van Manen, who was a sophomore for Northeast Mississippi Community College this past spring, hit .462 with 13 home runs and 14 stolen bases in 2019. While she will formalize her plans for her junior season later this summer as to her next destination, Van Manen is serving as an assistant coach for the Pella Christian softball team.