Hokie ClubVirginia Tech's softball team boasts a remarkable group of seniors primed for their final season on the field. Among these standout players is infielder Cameron Fagan, whose talent earned her a spot on the All-ACC preseason team. With Fagan and her fellow seniors leading the charge, the Hokies are poised to make waves in the upcoming season, setting the stage for an exhilarating journey on the diamond.
"My mindset this year is definitely different than any year before," Fagan explained. "I'm trying to just soak in every single moment, my roommates and I always talk about it, everything is a last. We're trying to take in everything and really appreciate it."
Fagan has spent her entire collegiate career with Virginia Tech softball, solidifying herself as a second-baseman early on. She started 58 games on second for the Hokies last season and ranked second on the team with a .335 batting average. The infielder had integral runs last year in the Hokies series against Clemson, hitting a three-run walk off homer and in the ACC Tournament against Lousiville, once again knocking a three-run home run.
"It is a great honor to be named preseason All-ACC," Fagan said. "I try not to let it affect me really at all, if you let it, those things can get in your head. I try to take it and appreciate it and move on."
This is the third time Fagan has been named to the preseason All-ACC team, also receiving the accolade in 2023. Yet, her list of honors does not stop there, she has many awards including being named to the 2023 All-ACC Third Team, and the 2021 All-ACC Freshman Team. The Dunnellon, Florida native was named to the NFCA Mid-Atlantic Region First Team in both 2021 and 2022, and was then named to the NFCA Mid-Atlantic Region Second Team in 2023.
In 2022, she was named to the preseason All-ACC team and finished the year on the All-ACC Second Team, after being a key player on the 2022 team that was one win away from a trip to the Women's College World Series.
Despite her success last season, Fagan spent her offseason making sure she was in the best shape possible for the 2024 season, which included a major surgery.
"I got double fasciotomy on my legs, I had compartment syndrome and it really affected my running and playing. I was just in pain constantly," Fagan said. "I had that surgery over the summer and it's helped me be able to run, stay in better shape, and get quicker. I put in work with my dad and sisters who coach me up."
The Hokies have four core veterans leading them, Fagan and Emma Ritter are two of the senior classes strongest hitters, with Addy Greene manning the outfield and Maija Louko alternating positions to showcase the team's versatility. Their leadership is ever important with the team taking on some new faces this season, as the Hokies welcomed 12 new student-athletes, nine freshmen and three transfers.
"I think my role is adding experience," Fagan explained. "I've been to a Super Regional, been one game away from a World Series. We're able to mentor the younger kids and talk them through their nerves. This being my fourth year here, I've been through everything they're going through. I know they appreciate us talking them down and telling them 'Everything is going to be ok,' or 'It's the same game you've played your whole life.' That's my role right now."
Growing up with the sport, Fagan looks back on her years as a softball player and a Hokie, from her start to melding herself into a vital player in all her seasons here. Her last season comes with a lot of emotion.
"I think I'm looking forward to the memories," Fagan said. "There are so many memories that come along with softball season, and I am really looking forward to the competition and the adrenaline rush. I am looking forward to being able to spend time with my friends and the last few months we have living together."
The Hokies kick off their season Feb. 9th against Illinois at Auburn. Make sure you don't miss their home opener against Elon on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. ET.