Murray State College’s Isabella Hardeman to receive 2025-26 Betty Jo Graber Award

Charlotte, NC – The NJCAA has named Murray State College (OK) softball's, Isabella Hardeman, the recipient of the 2026 Betty Jo Graber Female Student-Athlete of the Year Award and will recognize her during the NJCAA Foundation Hall of Fame Awards on June 18, 2026.

The Betty Jo Graber Award is presented annually to a female NJCAA student-athlete who demonstrates outstanding achievement in athletics, academics, leadership and community service throughout her two-year college career.

After overcoming a broken back prior to beginning her collegiate career, Hardeman's perseverance and determination became a defining part of her journey to national prominence.

Hardeman established herself as one of the most dominant pitchers in NJCAA softball history during her time at Murray State College. The Spencer, Oklahoma native compiled a perfect 30-0 record during the 2025 season while leading the nation with a remarkable 0.35 ERA over 140.2 innings pitched. She recorded 200 strikeouts and allowed just seven earned runs all season.

Her dominance inside the circle helped propel Murray State College to a 62-3 overall record, a perfect 32-0 mark in Region 2 play, a Region 2 Southwest Plains Tournament championship, and a fourth-place finish at the NJCAA Division II Softball World Series.

In 2026, Hardeman continued her success by earning Region 2 Pitcher of the Week honors three consecutive times while helping the Lady Aggies open the season 20-0 and claim the No. 1 ranking in the NJCAA Division II Coaches Poll.

"Isabella is a great example of leadership, character and excellence, both on and off the field," Murray State College head coach, Aaron Mullens, said. "Isabella is a great leader as a student-athlete…she has a big impact on more than just sports. In every situation, she represents our school with honesty, humility and professionalism."

Beyond her success on the field, Hardeman excelled academically while maintaining a 3.75 GPA as an English major and serving as a member of the President's Leadership Academy.

Hardeman also made a significant impact off the field through leadership and service initiatives, including her involvement with Fellowship of Christian Athletes activities and mentorship opportunities within the Murray State College community.

Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Quinton Jones praised Hardeman's leadership and resilience throughout her collegiate career.

"Isabella's dedication is truly remarkable," Jones said. "She approaches every challenge, whether athletic, academic, or personal, with a level of discipline and intentionality that sets her apart."

Hardeman's leadership, professionalism and work ethic have been touted as defining traits throughout her career at Murray State College.

"Isabella's leadership inspires those around her," Jones said. "She leads by example with humility and preparedness, earning the respect of teammates, classmates and family members alike. She demonstrates that competitive success and strong character go hand -in-hand, modeling what it means to elevate others while pursuing personal excellence.

Hardeman will continue both her academic and athletic career at Southeastern Louisiana University.

NJCAA Athletic Accomplishments

• NJCAA Pitcher of the Year - (30-0), ERA (0.35), WHIP (0.59), and strikeouts (200) in her first season
• NJCAA Region II Player of the Year
• NFCA Pitcher of the Year
• Regional Pitcher of the week 4x
• NJCAA First Team All-America
• NFCA First Team All-American
• Allowed no homeruns all 2024-2025 year

Hardeman will be honored during the NJCAA Foundation Hall of Fame Awards on Thursday, June 18 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place at 6:30p.m. The event will recognize the NJCAA Male and Female Student-Athletes of the Year, the Lea Plarski Award winner, the Champion Award winners, and the Difference Maker Award winner, in addition to the 2026 class of the NJCAA Hall of Fame.

To learn more regarding the NJCAA Foundation Hall of Fame Awards, visit: NJCAA Foundation Awards

To learn more about past NJCAA Female Student-Athletes of the Year, visit: Betty Jo Graber Award Winners

About the NJCAA Betty Jo Graber Award

Betty Jo Graber was an influential leader in the Association and helped pioneer the creation of the Women's Division of the NJCAA in 1975. As the NJCAA Region 5 Women's Director, Graber chaired the Association's women's basketball committee from its inception in 1975 until her retirement in 1991. In addition to her contributions on the NJCAA Board of Directors, Graber helped establish the NJCAA Women's Basketball Coaches Association and was a member of its inaugural hall of fame class in 1998. Also, a member of the national Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Graber was a leader that exhibited dedication, service, and resilience - traits that are recognized annually to the top female student-athlete with the award named in her honor.