Orangeburg, SC - The CIAA officially ushered in championship week with its annual Batter Dinner and Awards Ceremony, a celebratory evening that recognized the conference's top softball student-athletes while serving as one of the kickoff events for the 2026 CIAA Softball Championship. The event brought together players, coaches, administrators and supporters to honor on-field excellence, academic achievement, and the graduating seniors who helped shape the season.
Among those recognized were
Sydney Jackson and Xztashya Porter, who represented the Broncos following standout junior campaigns that played a key role in the team's success during conference play.
Jackson earned All-CIAA First Team honors at shortstop, capping off a season in which she emerged as one of the most complete players in the conference. A junior nursing major from Cameron, North Carolina, Jackson delivered consistent production offensively while anchoring the infield defensively. She finished the regular season batting .385 with 10 home runs, 33 RBIs and 25 runs scored, providing power and run production at the top of the lineup.
Her defining performance came at Livingstone College, where she drove in seven runs and launched two home runs in a dominant outing that highlighted her ability to take over games. Defensively, Jackson was a steady presence in the middle infield, posting a .947 fielding percentage and turning three double plays. Adding to her historic season, she enters championship play just two home runs shy of breaking the school's single-season home run record.
Porter was also honored during the ceremony after delivering a steady and dependable season at third base. A junior biology major from Whiteville, North Carolina, Porter provided consistent production at the plate while serving as a reliable defensive presence at the hot corner. She concluded the regular season batting .226 with 19 hits and 16 RBIs, showcasing her versatility with extra-base hits that included a home run, a triple and four doubles.
Porter's impact was evident in key moments throughout the year, including a two-RBI performance against Chestnut Hill and a strong finish at Johnson C. Smith, where she went 2-for-4 with a double. Defensively, she recorded 22 putouts and 24 assists, highlighted by a season-high four assists against Lincoln (Pa.), flashing quick reactions and a strong arm while making difficult plays look routine.
In addition to individual and all-conference honors, the Batter Dinner also recognized the graduating seniors from across the CIAA, celebrating their careers, leadership, and lasting contributions to their respective programs.
Fayetteville State will open CIAA Tournament action against Virginia Union on Thursday, May 7, at 5 p.m (delayed due to weather). Live video and statistical coverage for the championship can be found at fsubroncos.com/gameday as the Broncos look to carry their momentum into the heart of championship week.
All Honorees
Coach of the Year – Chelsea Holiday, Bluefield State University
Player of the Year – Paige Whittington, Bluefield State University
Pitcher of the Year – Sydney Seals, Bowie State University
Rookie of the Year – Aaliyah Amos, Bowie State University
2026 All–CIAA First Team
Pitcher – Sydney Seals, Bowie State University
Catcher – Jeniah Williams, Claflin University
First Base – Aniylah Lane, Johnson C. Smith University
Second Base – Aniyah Jackson, Claflin University
Third Base – Mikayla Amos, Bowie State University
Shortstop – Sydney Jackson, Fayetteville State University
Outfield – Paige Whittington, Bluefield State University
Outfield – Sky Hicks, Bluefield State University
Outfield – Lauryn Foster, Claflin University
Designated Player – Michaela Cromarty, Claflin University
Utility Player – Taylor Dawkins, Bowie State University
2026 All–CIAA Second Team
Pitcher – Katelynn Grissom, Claflin University
Catcher – Janessah Nappi, Bluefield State University
First Base – Kyla Jones, Bluefield State University
Second Base – Layla Smith, Winston-Salem State University
Third Base – Xztashya Porter, Fayetteville State University
Shortstop – Amaya Corona, Bluefield State University
Outfield – Cyndia Dobbins, Shaw University
Outfield – Presleigh Braxton, Bowie State University
Outfield – Coreena Dunham, Bowie State University
Designated Player – Madison Hayes, Virginia Union University
Utility Player – Aryana Meadows, Claflin University
2026 All–Rookie Team
Aryana Meadows, Claflin University
Amaya Corona, Bluefield State University
Skyy Hicks, Bluefield State University
Imari Jordan, Shaw University
Aaliyah Amos, Bowie State University
Elisia Gonzalez Pettis, Virginia Union University
Jahzira Hogan, Johnson C. Smith University
Hailey Trujillo, Bluefield State University
Alexis Coles, Bluefield State University
