SAN MARCOS, Texas. – Texas State softball's Jessica Mullins has been named a First Team All-American by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), the association announced Wednesday.
 
"I could not be more proud of [Jessica] Mullins," said head coach Ricci Woodard. "This type of award just speaks to the kind of player she is. When she's in the circle she gives you an opportunity to win a ball game. She worked hard this season and her whole career and to see her rewarded for that by earning these awards, I couldn't be more proud."

The NFCA All-American honor is the first in Mullin's career. She is a four-time NFCA All- Region honoree and was one of three Bobcats to earn an all-region accolade this season. 
 
"At the end of my junior year, Coach Woodard and I sat down and listed out some goals to strive for my senior year," Mullins said. "I listed out a few but this accolade was actually not on my list. The goals I set led me to this one. It wasn't intentional, but all the work put forward made me realize this was possible. I hope that this shows to anyone that you accomplish anything you put your mind to. It doesn't matter what level you are at, hard work pays off. I'm thankful for everything God has set in my life thus far. At Texas State there is a standard, and I only hope that I helped raise that standard for the generations to come!"
 
Additionally, Mullins is the first All-American selection to be named to the First Team in Texas State softball history. The Bobcats and head coach Ricci Woodard have had now six All-Americans, with the previous five earning second and third team honors. Previous winners for the Bobcats were Randi Rupp (2^nd team, 2017; 3^rd team, 2018), Kristen Zaleski (2^nd team, 2003, 2004), and Jessica Chase (3^rd team, 2001). 
 
Mullins was the Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Year and a First Team All-Sun Belt selection, finishing the season with a 1.45 ERA, including a 1.43 ERA in conference games. She finished the season with 31 wins, the most of any pitcher in the nation headed into the Women's College World Series. Mullins tossed 246.2 innings this season, allowing just 171 hits and only 37 of those for extra bases. She struck out 222 batters, the second season of her career with 200+ strikeouts. She tossed 19 complete games, eight shutouts and one perfect game against UTEP on 3/2.  
 
In addition to her Sun Belt Pitcher of the Year accolade, Mullins was named Sun Belt Pitcher of the Week four times, was tabbed as one of the top 10 pitchers in the nation by D1 Softball and Softball America and was a top-26 candidate for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. She was named to the all-tournament team of the Sun Belt Conference tournament and helped the Bobcats to its 2^nd Sun Belt Conference Tournament Championship and 12th appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
 
Mullins has now signed to play professionally with the Texas Smoke, based out of Austin, Texas, to continue to her softball career.