Greenville, SC – The NCCAA is pleased to recognize Phoebe Clemens of Lancaster Bible College (LBC) as the 2024 Deb Thompson Award recipient for Softball.

Clemens has been an excellent shortstop for the Lancaster Bible program during her four years. A native of Honeybrook, Pennsylvania, Clemens has a career hitting percentage of .450 including a .504 average in her senior campaign. She ranks top 5 in nearly every offensive statistical within the NCCAA and United East Conference, most notably in batting average, on base percentage, OPS. Defensively, Clemens is the conference leader in assists and fielding double plays this season. Clemens has earned a multitude of awards over her career as well, highlighted by an NCCAA All-American honor in 2023.
 
On top of Clemens’ athletic achievements, what really stands out is her leadership. She was named the 2024 Lancaster Bible College Female Student Leadership Award winner, and she is also the class Valedictorian. Clemens is a team captain, and she uses that role to help her teammates grow athletically and spiritually through Bible study and prayer. Clemens has been a Bible study leader for her teammates and led a devotional for opposing team members during Spring Break where one of the players came to Christ.  Outside of softball, Clemens is heavily involved on the Charger campus. She is the Vice President for Student Government and for the Sport Management Student Association and is a Finishers For Christ small group leader. She also serves as an intern with the LBC athletic department to give back to her fellow athletes on campus and prepare herself for a potential career in sports management.
 
As a dual major, Clemens has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout her career. She is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athletic Honor Society and has earned multiple scholar-athlete honors.
 
“Phoebe is an exceptionally skilled softball athlete who excels at the NCCAA and NCAA DIII level. She plays with humility and honor which provides a wonderful platform for her to share her faith when people desire to know more about her”, said Lancaster Bible College Head Softball Coach and father of Phoebe, John Clemens. “The sticker she wears on her helmet says, ‘One Way’ which exemplifies her heart, attitude, who she loves, and who she plays for.”
 
Other Finalists
Rachel Eggleston, Mid-America Christian University
Taylor Enlow, Asbury University
 
Award Description
Deb Thompson became head coach at Spring Arbor University in 1987 and built a legacy through impacting players for Christ, while creating a winning culture on and off the field. She was awarded the NFCA Regional Coach of the Year on four occasions, received numerous NCCAA district/regional awards, and was the NCCAA Coach of the Year in 2005 when her Cougars captured the NCCAA National Title. Deb has over 800 career wins and counting and was inducted into the Spring Arbor University Hall of Fame in 2002. She has and continues to serve selflessly while nurturing the student-athletes who have had the benefit of calling her coach. The NCCAA is proud to present this award in recognition of Deb Thompson’s legacy of service.
 

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