LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association has announced 378 student-athletes from 154 programs have received 2026 NFCA Division I All-Region accolades. 

The awards honor softball student-athletes from the Association’s 10 regions with first, second and third-team selections. NFCA member head coaches from each respective region nominated student-athletes (eight maximum) and voted for the teams. All awarded student-athletes now become eligible for the 2026 NFCA Division I All-America squads. 

The Missouri Valley Conference placed eight student-athletes on the All-Region Teams with three of those earning first team honors. A trio from Belmont earned All-South Region honors. The All-Midwest Region was well represented with five student-athletes from Illinois State (2), Northern Iowa (2) and Southern Illinois (1) earning spots on either the first, second or third team. 

Conference players and pitchers of the year from member institutions (must be nominated by member head coach and receive votes) are added to the third team if they were not already voted to an All-Region squad. The 2026 NFCA Division I All-America teams, voted on by the NFCA Division I All-America Committee, will be announced on Wednesday, May 27. 
 
South Region
P - Maya Johnson, Belmont - First Team
3B - Rylee Spindler, Belmont - Second Team
2B - Nicole Hughes, Belmont - Third Team
 
Midwest Region
2B - Skylar Benesh, Northern Iowa - First Team
3B - Bella Atkinson, Illinois State - First Team
P - Paige McLeod, Illinois State - Second Team 
1B - Kate Lappe, Northern Iowa - Second Team
DP or UT/NP - Emily Williams, Southern Illinois - Third Team