Junior outfielder Aniya Caldwell has steadily grown into a reliable presence for the Fayetteville State softball program, bringing energy, athleticism, and a deep sense of purpose to everything she does both on and off the field. Standing 5’7 and competing from the right side of the plate and the right side of the outfield, Caldwell has appeared in 54 collegiate games with 47 starts, collecting 30 career hits, six doubles, and a home run. She continues to elevate her game each season, most recently posting a .263 batting average, scoring 14 runs, and swiping 11 bases in 2025. Defensively, she has recorded 40 putouts and eight assists with a .941 career fielding percentage, illustrating her growth and reliability in the outfield.
Caldwell, a native of South Carolina and graduate of Cane Bay High School, brings the same dedication to the classroom that she shows on the diamond. A Nursing major, she chose the field because of her passion for helping people—especially those who cannot always care for themselves. After earning her degree, she plans to work as a psychiatric nurse before returning to school to obtain her MSN and eventually serve as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. Her desire to work in mental health reflects her fascination with the brain and her commitment to caring for people on a deeply personal level.
Her mother serves as her greatest inspiration—an example of resilience and ambition, having earned three degrees while raising three children. That drive is reflected in Aniya’s own path, where she strives for excellence while staying grounded, grateful, and focused.
Off the field, Caldwell is known for her upbeat personality and unique ability to strum several Taylor Swift songs on the ukulele. Her favorite memories at FSU include the homecoming football game and forming close bonds with teammates who have become like family. On game days, she locks in by turning on her gameday playlist and letting the music set the tone. One of her favorite sports moments came during a fall practice session when the team played “anything but a glove/bat,” a memory that still brings a smile thanks to the fun and camaraderie it created.
With her work ethic, passion for people, and growing impact on the field, Aniya Caldwell continues to be a standout example of academic drive, athletic development, and Bronco pride.
