The Iowa Community College Athletic Conference (ICCAC) has named Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) softball player Molly Jacobsen the ICCAC Student-Athlete of the Year for the 2017-18 school year.

Jacobsen, a sophomore from Adel, was named the first recipient of the prestigious award at the May athletic director's meeting on May 23. Nominations for the award were received by the ICCAC Awards Committee, comprised of select athletic directors from across the conference. The nominations were then narrowed to three student-athletes that embodied the best characteristics that the ICCAC offers, not just on the court of field, but also for what the student-athletes have accomplished in the classroom and what they contribute back to their school and community.

"(Jacobsen) represents the best in collegiate athletics," DMACC softball coach Bob Ligouri said. "Her numbers speak for themselves. She's an outstanding softball player, but an even better role model."

"Molly is a very humble young woman" Ligouri said. "She's never lost sight of the fact that much of her success comes from the effort of others and that is a big reason why she is so well liked by her teammates."

Jacobsen pitched for DMACC for two seasons and was among the conference and national leaders in a number of categories. She worked 163.2 innings, compiling a 26-2 record with a 0.47 earned run average. She allowed 17 runs, including 11 earned runs, on 17 hits, struck out 312 batters and walked 12. Jacobsen averaged 13.34 strikeouts per seven-inning game. Her season included four perfect games and six no-hitters.

Jacobsen led the ICCAC in earned run average and strikeouts and was tied for the lead in wins. Nationally, Jacobsen was first in strikeouts, second in earned run average and tied for third in wins. She pitched DMACC to a 48-2 record and a third-place finish in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division Softball Championship this past season. The Bears were ranked first in the NJCAA Division II poll for much of the season and entered the national tournament as the No. 1 seed.

Jacobsen will leave DMACC with 51 victories and 334.1 innings pitched.

Jacobsen has been active in the Boone community and surrounding area, including being an active participant in the Kiwanis Miracle League, Special Olympics, Sports Buddies, Shop with a Cop, Teammates for Life, Salvation Army and Meals from the Heartland.

Jacobsen has signed a national letter of intent to attend the University of Mississippi and will be participating in softball in the prestigious Southeastern Conference.