LOUISVILLE, Ky. – UIndy softball student-athletes Caitlin Bunte, Cheyenne Eads and Brooklyn Willis earned inclusion on the 2026 NFCA Division II Player and Pitcher of the Year watchlist, released by the coaches association Wednesday. The list is compiled by the elected members of the NFCA Division II All-American Committee with one head coach representing each of the eight NCAA regions.

The mid-season honor has been broken down by region since 2023, with each of the nation's eight regions garnering up to 15 honorees. UIndy has had multiple representatives each of the four seasons in the current format, with 2026 marking the first time it's garnered three.

Voted on by the NFCA's Division II All-American Committee, the 2026 NFCA Player of the Year and NFCA/Portolite Pitcher of the Year will be announced on May 27, a day prior to the start of the NCAA Division II National Championships. All student-athletes are eligible for the end-of-the-season award and do not have to be on this list to be considered.


MIDWEST REGION HONOREES
Ava Gardner, Ferris State, OF, Fr.
Camryn Hall, Grand Valley State, SS, Fr.
Anna Frafjord, Lewis, 1B, Sr.
Lauren Harris, McKendree, SS, Sr.
Gracie Jenson, Purdue Northwest, IF, Fr.
Macy Irelan, Saginaw Valley, P, Sr.
Aalana Kimble, Saginaw Valley, UT/P, Jr.
Jessica Miller, Tiffin, OF, So.
Cassie Smith, Truman, UT, Sr.
Annika Bredel, Findlay, IF, Sr.
Caitlin Bunte, UIndy, P    Fr.
Cheyenne Eads, UIndy, P, So.
Brooklyn Willis, UIndy, OF, So.
Mia Johnson, Parkside, 3B, Sr.
Mikayla Chairez, William Jewell, OF, Sr.