MINOT, N.D. — Infielder Sara Simon has been named the third recipient of the 2026 Honeybee of the Year award, powered by Absolute Honey.

Simon joins 2024 winner Shayna Myshrall and 2025 winner Jackie Albrecht as recipient of the annual award.

Simon, a native of Philippi, West Virginia, is a senior at West Liberty University. She joined the Honeybees for her first Northwoods League season and quickly made an impact both on and off the field.

“Sara has led our team on the field and off the field and has been a great teammate and person,” Coach Kendall Winn said. She’s had an amazing career and is going to be an even better person because of softball.”

Simon has showcased incredible toughness while competing at a high level throughout the demanding Northwoods League summer. She has been a staple in the Minot lineup, appearing in all 40 games this season.

She has also been one of the Honeybees’ most productive hitters, batting .339 with 43 hits, seven doubles, as well as a team-leading seven home runs and 36 RBIs.

Simon’s performance earned her a selection to the Northwoods League Softball All-Star Game. She was also selected to participate in the NWL Softball Home Run Challenge and has been named Northwoods League Player of the Night three times.

Off the field, Simon has made a strong impact on the Minot softball community by teaching the game to local youth players, interacting with Honeybees fans of all ages and sharing her love for the sport.

“This (season) was the best thing ever,” Simon said. “Minot means everything, thank you so much for the opportunity and support.”

The Honeybee of the Year award recognizes current Honeybees players who strive to create fun, friendly and memorable experiences both on the field and in the community. Candidates demonstrate a commitment to entertainment, fan engagement, and athletic excellence.