CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 21, 2026) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association announces its Week Ten Softball Honors for games played April 12 through April 18. The weekly awards recognize top performances in the circle, at the plate, and in the field across the conference.
With the regular season nearing its conclusion, the 2026 CIAA Softball Championship is approaching and will take place May 7, 8, and 9 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. All games will be streamed live on the CIAA Sports Network.
Pitcher and Rookie of the Week - Aaliyah Amos, Bowie State University
Freshman pitcher Aaliyah Amos delivered a dominant and well rounded performance for Bowie State University, earning both Pitcher and Rookie of the Week honors. Amos recorded 18 strikeouts over 14.0 innings pitched across two complete game appearances, showcasing consistency, control, and the ability to go the distance.
She recorded nine strikeouts against Millersville University on April 15 and followed with another nine strikeout performance in a complete game victory over Lincoln University (PA) on April 18. In her outing against Lincoln University (PA), she allowed just three runs with only one earned on five hits.
Offensively, Amos also contributed at the plate, going 2 for 6 with a triple, a run scored, and a walk. Her ability to lead in the circle while also producing offensively underscores her value and impact during the week.
Offensive Player of the Week - Sydney Jackson, Fayetteville State University
Junior shortstop Sydney Jackson powered Fayetteville State University’s offense with a dominant week at the plate, highlighted by an explosive performance against Livingstone College. Jackson went 3 for 3 in the game with seven RBI, two home runs, and a double while scoring four runs, accounting for a significant portion of the Broncos’ offensive production.
She continued to apply pressure in the second game of the series by drawing four walks and driving in two additional runs, showcasing her discipline and ability to create scoring opportunities. Jackson’s power and consistency at the plate played a key role in Fayetteville State University’s success during the week.
Defensive Player of the Week - Madison Heath, Fayetteville State University
Sophomore first baseman Madison Heath provided a steady and reliable defensive presence for Fayetteville State University throughout the week. Heath recorded a combined 17 putouts across multiple contests, consistently handling plays at first base with control and precision.
Her ability to secure difficult throws and anchor the infield helped limit opponents’ scoring opportunities, while providing stability behind the pitching staff. Heath’s consistency and defensive awareness played a key role in the Broncos’ performance during the week.
Media Contact:
Anna M. Butzlaff
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)
abutzlaff@theciaa.com
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.