Arrigoni Hall of Fame
One of the top all-around players in Iona softball history, Alison Higgs completed a stellar career with the Gaels in 2005. Higgs finished her career at Iona among the Top 10 in virtually every offensive category and top five in every pitching category. She is the all-time leader in at-bats (522) and hits (164, tied) while standing as the number two home run hitter in school history (17, tied). In addition Alison is the second all-time leader in runs. Higgs is also number five all time in games-played (164), doubles (33), and runs batted in (68, tied).
On the mound the southpaw appeared in 96 games, good for second all-time in school history, while also leading in victories (51), ERA (1.34), and shutouts (15). Higgs is second all-time in strikeouts (512), innings pitched (538.0), and winning percentage (.630). Additionally Alison finished third all-time in complete games (58), saves (2, tied), and strikeout ratio (.95), and fourth in games started (67).
During the 2004 campaign Alison set single season records in hits (60), games pitched (38), victories (22), games started (30), complete games (30), saves (2-tied) and innings pitched (219.1). Higgs also currently ranks second all time in single season winning percentage (.720) and shutouts (6).
A standout on the field, Alison was named the 2004 MAAC Softball Player of the Year after a career season as a junior. Other accolades include 2004 All-Northeast Region Second Team Honors, and 2002 Second Team All-MAAC honors, as well as an NFCA All-American Scholar-Athlete for her performance in the classroom. Prior to Iona, Higgs was a three sport letter winner in softball, soccer, and basketball at South Hagerstown High School located in Hagerstown, MD. Her high school accolades included being named two-time All-County Player of the Year and All-Area Player of the Year following her senior season.
Higgs graduated Cum Laude from Iona College School of Business in 2005 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and obtained her Master's of Business Administration from Jacksonville University in May 2009. Beginning in the Fall 2011 Alison will pursue a Masters in Education-Leadership and Learning with a concentration in Sports Management from Jacksonville University.
After her outstanding collegiate career, she earned a professional contract with the New York Juggernaut of the National Professional Fast Pitch League in 2005. In her first appearance, she fanned two-time gold medalist Amanda Freed to secure her first professional victory. In 2006, she signed with the Philadelphia Force, but did not see any action due to injury. At the time of her induction Higgs remains the first assistant of the Jacksonville University Dolphins Women's Softball team concluding her fifth season on the JU staff. Higgs acts as the Division 1 team's recruiting coordinator and is primarily in charge of working with the pitchers, catchers and outfielders.
