VALDOSTA, Ga. - Kiley Rusen has spent a majority of her career as an underrated "silent killer" in Valdosta State softball's lineup. The silence was broken by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association on Friday, however, when Rusen was announced as a 2016 All-American.

Rusen's career year, which placed her among the league's best in home runs, slugging percentage, RBI's, and walks, lifted her career home run total to 43 and her career hit total to 251. Those two numbers marked the third-highest in program history, and her 190 career RBI's also ranked third all-time in VSU history, behind only Marti Littlefield and Courtney Albritton.

Friday's recognition complemented an All-Gulf South Conference First Team honor during her senior season, along with a position on the All-GSC Tournament Team, and Head Coach Thomas Macera was quick to point out how influential she has been to the Blazers on the defensive side of the ball as well.

"Kiley has been deserving of an honor like this for each year she's played here," said Macera on Friday. "She is an unbelievable defensive player, averaging around just one error a year, and she has always hit very well. Her 21 homers this year probably put her over the top, but she has got to be one of the best defensive first basemen that I've ever coached."

Rusen joined four other Gulf South Conference players on the list of 2016 NFCA All-Americans, including UNA's Brooklynn Clark, UAH's Kaitlyn Bannister, UWF's Rhiannon Sassman, and Lee's Emily Dagnan.

"It's an honor to represent Valdosta State on the All-American team and to be alongside some of the best players in the country," said Rusen in a statement on Friday. "It would have been even better to have a national championship with my team, but this just wasn't our year. I wouldn't be where I am without my family, my coaches, my teammates, and my bat! These past four years have been awesome, and I'm glad I spent them as a Blazer!"

CLICK HERE to view the official NFCA release.