CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 4, 2026) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) announced the predicted order of finish and the 2026 Preseason All‑CIAA Softball Team on Tuesday, as voted on by the CIAA Sports Information Directors' Association. Fayetteville State University was projected to finish fifth in the conference standings, placing the Broncos in the upper half of what is expected to be another highly competitive CIAA softball season. FSU was also represented on the 2026 Preseason All‑CIAA Softball Team, as junior utility player Treja Patterson earned preseason honors at third base.
Defending champion Bowie State University was selected as the preseason favorite entering the 2026 campaign after capturing its third consecutive CIAA Softball Championship in 2025, including a title‑game victory over Claflin University. Claflin University and Winston‑Salem State University rounded out the top three in the preseason poll.
2026 CIAA Softball Predicted Order of Finish
- Bowie State University
- Claflin University
- Winston‑Salem State University
- Virginia State University
- Fayetteville State University
- Lincoln University (Pa.)
- Bluefield State University
- Virginia Union University
- Shaw University
- Elizabeth City State University
- Livingstone College
- Johnson C. Smith University
Junior Treja Patterson earned Preseason All‑CIAA recognition after turning in a strong and consistent 2025 campaign for the Broncos. Patterson provided key production in the middle of the lineup, posting multiple multi‑hit performances and driving in runs throughout conference play, highlighted by a four‑hit, three‑RBI outing against Shaw. She delivered extra‑base power during the season, including doubles and a home run, while also scoring runs in key situations for Fayetteville State. Defensively, Patterson showcased her versatility by handling multiple infield roles, recording numerous error‑free performances and providing steady play across CIAA competition. Her combination of offensive impact, defensive flexibility, and experience positions her as one of the league's top returning student‑athletes entering the 2026 season.
The 2026 Preseason All‑CIAA Softball Team includes seven student‑athletes who previously earned First Team All‑CIAA honors during the 2025 season, bringing a strong foundation of experience and proven performance into the year ahead.
2026 Preseason All‑CIAA Softball Team
Pitcher: Jyla Thomas, Winston‑Salem State University
Catcher: Jeniah Williams, Claflin University
First Base: Mylia Knight, Virginia State University
Second Base: Aniyah Jackson, Claflin University
Third Base: Treja Patterson, Fayetteville State University
Shortstop: Taylor Dawkins, Bowie State University
Outfield: Lauren Parham, Virginia State University
Outfield: Paige Whittington, Bluefield State University
Outfield: Coreena Dunham, Bowie State University
Designated Player: Aaliyah Rodriguez, Winston‑Salem State University
Utility Player: Taylor Dawkins, Bowie State University
The 2026 CIAA Softball Championship will return to Orangeburg, South Carolina, and will be held May 7–9, 2026, as teams compete for the conference title and an automatic berth into the NCAA Division II Softball Championship.
Fayetteville State opens the 2026 season looking to build on last year's momentum behind a strong returning core and experienced leadership across the roster.
For the complete 2026 schedule, visit:
🔗 https://fsubroncos.com/sports/softball/schedule/2026
