Heltebran named USCAA All-American

NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. - Natalie Heltebran (Irwin, Pa./Hempfield) has received United States Collegiate Athletic Association second team all-American honors as announced by the organization at the opening ceremonies of the USCAA Small College World Series yesterday.

Heltebran was in integral part of the Penn State New Kensington softball team's success this season, leading the team in slugging percentage (.602), RBIs (25), doubles (9), and home runs (3). Her 30 hits shared a team-best with senior Calle Zmenkowski (Cheswick, Pa./Fox Chapel). She was also second on the team with a .361 batting average and 21 runs scored.

The freshman outfielder's numbers were also enough to rank her among the best in the nation. She ranked seventh in the USCAA in doubles and was twelfth in home runs and thirteenth in slugging percentage. 

One of the highlights of the season was Heltebran's walk-off home run against Penn State Greater Allegheny on Apr. 3, 2021 that allowed the Lions to capture the game 4-3. That week she racked up nine RBIs on her way to being name Penn State University Athletic Conference Hitter of the Week on April 6. 

Heltebran is the second New Kensington softball player to earn all-American accolades. Allison Nicklas was a first team selection in 2017.