CHARLOTTE, N.C. (February 17, 2026) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association has announced its Week One Softball Honors for games played February 1 through February 14. This week’s selections recognize outstanding performances in the circle, at the plate, in the field, and by a rookie making an immediate impact.
Pitcher of the Week - Jyla Thomas, Winston-Salem State
Junior pitcher Jyla Thomas delivered a dominant stretch in the circle for Winston-Salem State. Highlighted by a complete game performance on February 7 against Benedict, Thomas allowed just four hits while striking out 12 and surrendering only three runs in a 6 to 3 victory. During the period, she recorded five complete games, limited opponents to two or fewer hits in eight appearances, and registered five or more strikeouts in five outings. She also contributed offensively with a .333 batting average and added a single without recording a strikeout. Defensively, she posted a perfect mark with one putout and one assist.
Offensive Player of the Week - Riley Demers, Winston-Salem State
Freshman Riley Demers powered Winston-Salem State offensively in a sweep of Benedict. She went 4 for 6 with two singles, two doubles, two RBI, two walks, three runs scored, and a stolen base while not striking out in the series. Demers followed with a 3 for 4 performance that included two singles, a double, and two runs scored. She also excelled defensively with a perfect fielding percentage, totaling 14 putouts, three assists, and contributing to three double plays.
Defensive Player of the Week - Aniyah Jackson, Claflin
Senior infielder Aniyah Jackson anchored the Claflin defense with a flawless showing. Jackson recorded a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage with nine putouts and 15 assists across 24 total chances. She also played a role in five double plays, demonstrating consistency, awareness, and leadership in the infield for the Lady Panthers.
Rookie of the Week - Kira Bryant, Winston-Salem State
Freshman catcher Kira Bryant made an immediate impact in Winston-Salem State’s sweep of Benedict. Bryant tallied five hits in seven at bats, drove in four runs, and scored twice during the week. Her offensive production and steady presence behind the plate helped lead the Rams to a strong early season performance.
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.