GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) softball team and head coach Janelle Breneman have announced the 2026 team awards.
The Spartans concluded the 2026 season 43-19 overall and 17-4 in the Southern Conference (SoCon). For the 23rd time in program history, eighth-straight season and 11th time in Coach Breneman's 14 years at the helm, the Spartans won 30 or more games. The Spartans wrapped up the 2026 season with the program's fourth 40-plus win season and second time under Coach Breneman.
Team 41 earned its fourth SoCon sweep (2018, 2021, 2023, 2026) by earning its seventh regular-season title and fourth SoCon Championship. The Spartans won every SoCon series this season, accomplishing the feat for the first time since 2022. The Spartans also had an impressive 18 shutouts this season, the most since 2000 when UNCG had 19.
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UNCG punched its fifth NCAA Tournament ticket following claiming the SoCon Championship and went on to earn its first-ever NCAA victory with a 1-0 win over Clemson at Jack Turner Softball Stadium in Georgia.
Three from the team collected National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-Mid-Atlantic Region honors, including Brooklyn Shroyer and Nya South, who were voted to the second team, while Avery Bouquin was tabbed on the third team. Prior to the SoCon Tournament beginning, UNCG dominated the postseason awards by collecting three major awards, along with three first-team honors, five second-team honors and two All-Freshman team selections.
The Spartans saw another successful statistical year offensively, leading the SoCon in doubles (96), doubles per game (1.55), ERA (2.24), hits allowed per seven innings (5.67), shutouts (18), strikeout-to-walk ratio (1.95), team strikeouts per seven innings (5.55), WHIP (1.22) and win-loss percentage (.694). They were also second in hits (486), home runs (67), home runs per game (1.08), on-base percentage (.386), RBI (324), slugging percentage (.489), total runs (340) and walks (202).
Among the nation, UNCG was ranked fifth in shutouts, sixth in ERA, 11th in hits allowed per seven innings, 14th in WHIP, 28th in doubles, 39th in hits, 39th in sacrifice bunts, 44th in strikeout-to-walk ratio, 46th in RBI, 50th in team strikeouts per seven innings, 53rd in walks, 54th in home runs, 54th in total runs, 61st in hit by pitch, 63rd in doubles per game, 68th in home runs per game, 79th in slugging percentage and 83rd in RBI per game.
These awards are voted on by Spartan softball team members.
2025-26 Team 41 awards
Rookie of the Year Award
Awarded to the player that has made the most impact on the team as a first-year player.
Spartan Softball Way Award
Awarded to the player that displays leadership qualities on and off the playing field. She is selfless, respectful, competitive and inspirational. She makes those around her better.
Most Outstanding Offensive Award
Awarded to the player that has been a consistent force at the plate throughout the season.
Most Outstanding Defensive Award
Awarded to the player that has been the most solid on defense, making the routine plays as well as the outstanding ones.
Most Valuable Pitcher Award
Awarded to the pitcher who has excelled on the mound and has made significant contributions at her position. Her performances have been most valuable to the successes of the team.
Most Valuable Player Award
Awarded to the player that has made the most significant impact on the success of the team.
Scholar Athlete Award
Awarded to the player that maintains the highest GPA for the academic year. The award recognizes self-discipline and the commitment to balancing academics and athletics.
