West Central Reporter

The Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) announced its 2025 All-OVC Softball teams, highlighting two players from the Leathernecks. Payton Brown and Ruby Tarr were both named to the All-OVC Newcomer team. Additionally, Brown was honored with a spot on the All-OVC First Team and received the title of 2025 OVC Co-Player of the Year. This marks a significant achievement as Brown becomes the first Leatherneck to earn Player of the Year recognition since Sammy Marshall in 2014.

Alisa Goler, Head Coach of the Leathernecks, expressed her pride in Brown's accomplishments. "We are so proud of Payton. We often talk as a team about how the game always knows - and the game knows what a good person, teammate, and player Payton Brown is. Her numbers in conference play were absolutely unbelievable. She's more than deserving of this recognition," Goler stated.

Brown's performance during conference play was outstanding, leading several offensive categories including hits (48), doubles (13), total bases (89), slugging percentage (.908), and tying for first in home runs (8). On April 7 against Tennessee State, she tied a program record by hitting three home runs in a single game, one being a grand slam. Her season total of 13 home runs ties her for second place all-time in program history.

Ruby Tarr also made notable contributions as a freshman from Sidney, Illinois. She started all 27 conference games for Western Illinois University (WIU) with a batting average of .321, nine doubles, and ten RBIs during conference play. Tarr ranked second on her team for doubles and held an On Base Percentage of .414. Defensively, she committed only four errors over 27 games with a fielding percentage of .947. Commenting on Tarr's performance, Goler said: "Ruby had a phenomenal Freshman campaign. Again - the game knows. She is the epitome of a good teammate and person."

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, WIU aims to build upon its young core featuring talents like Payton Brown and Ruby Tarr.

For further updates on Leatherneck Softball activities, visit GoLeathernecks.com or follow their social media channels.