PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – Following another championship-caliber regular season, the Prairie View A&M softball team was heavily represented in the Southwestern Athletic Conference postseason awards, earning six total honors, highlighted by Morgan Smith being named the 2026 SWAC Freshman of the Year.
Smith's recognition headlines a strong postseason showing for the Lady Panthers, who captured their fourth consecutive SWAC Western Division title under head coach Vernon Bland. In addition to Freshman of the Year honors, Prairie View A&M placed two student-athletes on the All-SWAC First Team and four on the All-SWAC Second Team.
A standout in her first collegiate season, Smith made an immediate impact in the Prairie View A&M lineup and quickly established herself as one of the conference's top young talents. Along with being named Freshman of the Year, she also earned Second Team All-SWAC honors at first base.
Prairie View A&M was represented on the All-SWAC First Team by senior second baseman Kayla Zaid and junior pitcher Kayla Adams. In her second season with the Lady Panthers, Zaid emerged as one of the conference's top offensive threats, batting over .400 while serving as a catalyst atop the lineup. Adams delivered a dominant debut season in the circle, leading the pitching staff with 13 wins, 13 complete games, and a 2.86 ERA.
The Lady Panthers also earned strong recognition on the All-SWAC Second Team.
Senior Dyani McKinley was selected at third base after providing steady offensive production and veteran leadership throughout the season. McKinley hit .364 while contributing 39 hits, 22 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases.
Senior outfielder Mia Nunez continued her stellar career with another postseason honor after posting one of the league's most productive offensive seasons. Nunez finished the year batting .358 with 43 hits, 53 RBIs, 13 doubles, six triples, and eight home runs while serving as a leader for the Lady Panthers.
At designated player, Caidence Martin earned Second Team honors after an efficient and impactful season at the plate. Martin batted .412 with 21 hits, 18 RBIs, and a .524 on-base percentage, consistently delivering in key offensive situations.
Prairie View A&M's strong postseason presence reflects another successful campaign for the program, which finished the regular season 27-17 overall and 19-4 in conference play while continuing its dominance within the SWAC.
The Lady Panthers now shift their focus to postseason competition as they prepare for the SWAC Tournament with hopes of adding another championship to an already impressive season.
