SIUE Softball Players Named Academic All-District
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - Five SIUE softball players were named Academic All-District today by College Sports Communications, which recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the court and in the classroom.
Avery Arwood, Aidyn Barrera, Raegan Duncan, Kaylin Fahy and Kiana Villa were among the honores for SIUE. Eligible nominees had to have competed in 90 percent of a team's games or start at least 66 percent of a team's games. For pitchers, a minimum of 17 appearances or 35 innings pitched was needed for consideration.
All five were major contributors to the Cougars recording 29 victories and gaining a No. 3 seed for the Ohio Valley Conference Championships.
Arwood, a sophomore from St. Joseph, Michigan, was named the OVC Pitcher of the Year. She finished the 2026 season with 14 victories, including nine straight toward the end of the season.
Barrera, a sophomore from Floresville, Texas, was named to the OVC All-Tournament team. Her play as the team's leading catcher resulted in throwing out 16 potential base stealers this season.
Duncan, a sophomore from Lemont, Illinois, posted a .310 batting average while starting 53 games this season. She was second on the team in hits (44) and doubles (11).
Fahy, a senior from Niles, Illinois, also was named to the OVC All-Tournament team and was one of three players on the roster to start all 58 games this season. She batted .267 with two home runs and 19 RBIs.
Villa, a senior from Coolidge, Arizona, finished the season with a 4.20 earned run average with one save. She earned five victories out of the Cougar bullpen.
Academic All-District honorees advance to the CSC Academic All-America ballot. First, second and third team will be announced in June.
