Softball Receives 2026 AAC Athletic and Academic Recognition

Waleska, Georgia- The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) recognized members of the Brenau University softball team for their outstanding academic and athletic performances during the 2025-26 season, the conference announced on Monday.

Junior Dayton Power led the recognition by receiving 2026 AAC Player of the Year honors for her performance this season. The Braselton, Ga. native hit .480 on the season, which was second in the conference, and led the AAC in total hits, runs scored, and stolen bases.  

Teammate Emma Folds also received 2026 AAC Newcomer of the Year recognition in her inaugural season as a Golden Tiger by leading the AAC in triples (7), and was second in runs scored (49).

The 2026 AAC Softball All-Conference teams were well represented by the squad as Power and Folds joined junior Ava Moon and Peyton Hawkins on the 1st team, while senior Whitney Hulsey was named as a 2026 AAC Second-Team selection.

Moon capped off a stellar junior campaign by leading the conference in batting average (.482), on base percentage (.523), and tied for the lead in doubles. Hawkins batted .405 and was second on the squad in RBIs (42), while Hulsey hit .394 and led the Golden Tigers with four home runs. 

Senior Riley Smith received 2026 AAC Champions of Character recognition as best representing the NAIA's Five Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship and Servant Leadership.  

Folds, Hawkins, Hulsey, Moon and Smith joined teammates Elizabeth Bowen, Breanne Brookshire, Allie Busbee, Maggie Furr, Emily Hall, Kristina Peach, Charlotte Smith, Riley Walker, Cayden Warren, Malorie Watson, and Sydney Woyce as 2026 AAC All-Academic team performers. Recipients of All-Academic honors must maintain a minimum of an overall 3.25 cumulative grade point average and have achieved at least sophomore status.

For a complete list of conference winners, click here.