Three Simmons Softball players received end of the season All-Conference honors from the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. The 2009 All-Conference team honored sophomore shortstop Annie Thompson (Pacific Palisades, Calif.) to the Second Team, sophomore pitcher Courteney Collier (Bolton, Mass.) to the Third Team, and senior right fielder Meredith Burr (Londonderry, N.H.) to the Sportsmanship Team.

Thompson recorded a team-high batting average of .373 during the regular season. In 121 plate appearances, she scored 27 runs and had 41 hits, with 9 home runs and 15 RBIs. Thompson also leads the team with 45 assists.

"Annie has been one of our most consistent offensive players this season," said Head Coach Anne Hennigan. "As leadoff hitter it is tremendously important to get on base and every time Annie steps into the batter's box I know she's going to get on. She has also stepped up this year by playing shortstop for the first time. Annie continually makes the big plays – diving in the dirt, tracking down a fly ball and taking control of the infield. She is one of the best in the conference and truly deserving of this award."

Collier, a transfer from Wheaton College, has made a big statement in 2009 with her pitching and ability to get on base. On the mound, Collier has a 9-9 record, with a 3.80 era. She has struck out 106 batters in 125.2 innings.

"Courteney is one of the biggest competitors on the team," said Hennigan. "She knows how to win and gives the team a great chance to win every time she's in the circle. Coming off of wrist surgery, Courteney has worked extremely hard throughout the season and her numbers in the second half of the season indicate the true pitcher she is. There are a lot of good hitting teams in the conference and Courteney has done a tremendous job keeping them off balance. She is a very smart pitcher and one that other team's will fear come next season."

Burr, a captain for the Sharks in 2009, was honored with a place in the GNAC All-Conference Sportsmanship Team. "As senior captain, Merri has shown the way for the Simmons Sharks," said Hennigan. "She is a true leader and motivator and always knows what to say to a teammate to pick them up or get them going. She is also a tremendous outfielder who can track down any fly ball and has speed that can cause terror on the base paths. The success of the team this year is in part due to the attitude, perseverance and motivation by Merri."