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The National Fastpitch Coaches Association has named Bryan's Calli Wood its 2008 Diamond Sports Catcher of the Year.
Wood is the national high school winner, one of 10 catchers named in each of 10 divisions, including nine college recipients.
During her senior year, the All-Brazos Valley catcher batted .496, going 57 for 118. Wood had nine doubles, 11 triples, three home runs, 42 RBIs and 24 runs scored in 36 games. She was a three-year letterwinner with the Lady Vikings.
Wood is the first Brazos Valley winner of the award since Brenham All-American Kristin Gunter in 2002.
Diamond Sports and the NFCA present the award annually to the top catchers from NFCA member schools. Mississippi State's Chelsea Bramlett was the NCAA Division I recipient.
Wood, who is now is a freshman at Sam Houston State, converted from the outfield and shortstop and moved behind the plate before her junior season. She is one of two Texas winners this year, as Jessica Shiery of Abilene Christian won the NCAA Division II award.
"We were looking at her as a second baseman or a shortstop," Bryan coach Enrique Luna said. "After her sophomore year, we told her we needed a catcher. They were some shaky early moments, but she made herself better every time."
Selected to play in the Texas Girls Coaches Association All-Star Game last season, Wood was named a first-team Louisville Slugger/NFCA All-America catcher.
Wood is one of two NFCA All-America players who joined the Bearkats as freshmen this year. Garland pitcher Tomi Garrison, who edged out Wood's Lady Vikings in the Region II-5A finals in 2007, is also on Bob Brock's team.
