CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 28, 2026) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) announces its Week Eleven Softball Honors for games played April 19 through April 25. The weekly awards recognize top performances in the circle, at the plate, and in the field across the conference as teams close out the regular season.
The 2026 CIAA Softball Championship is set for May 7, 8, and 9 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. All games will be streamed live on the CIAA Sports Network.
Pitcher of the Week - Katelynn Grissom, Claflin University
Junior pitcher Katelynn Grissom continued her strong season with another standout performance in the circle for Claflin University. Grissom threw eight innings, facing 35 batters while allowing just four earned runs and issuing no walks, demonstrating excellent control throughout the outing.
She added five strikeouts and maintained composure in key moments, earning her 13th win of the season. Grissom’s consistency and command continue to be a driving force for the Panthers.
Offensive Player of the Week - Laniya Rouse, Winston-Salem State University
Sophomore outfielder Laniya Rouse delivered a strong all-around performance for Winston-Salem State University, leading the Rams at the plate during the week. Rouse went 3 for 7 with a double, one RBI, two runs scored, and a stolen base while not recording a strikeout.
Her top performance came in Game 2 against Livingstone College, where she went 2 for 4 with a double, an RBI, and two runs scored in a 10 to 2 victory on April 24.
Defensively, Rouse was just as reliable, posting a perfect fielding percentage with two catches, one putout, and one assist. Her contributions on both sides of the game helped drive Winston-Salem State University’s success during the week.
Defensive and Rookie of the Week - Ilyana Smith, Winston-Salem State University
Freshman utility player Ilyana Smith delivered a standout all-around performance for Winston-Salem State University, earning both Defensive and Rookie of the Week honors.
Defensively, Smith posted a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, recording 12 catches, five putouts, and seven assists across the week.
She highlighted her defensive efforts with a season high eight catches, including five catches in Game 1 of a 4 to 1 victory against Livingstone College, showcasing her consistency and ability to make key plays.
At the plate, Smith went 3 for 6 with a double, two RBI, one run scored, and a stolen base while not recording a strikeout. Her top performance came in Game 2 against Livingstone College, where she went 2 for 4 with a double, two RBI, one run scored, and a stolen base in a 10 to 2 victory on April 24.
Smith’s ability to impact the game on both sides played a key role in Winston-Salem State University’s success 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.