South Carolina State University announced on May 6 that a freshman from its Lady Bulldogs softball team has been named the 2026 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Rookie of the Year. The university also reported that seven players from the team earned All-MEAC honors, marking a first in program history.
The recognition comes during a season of milestones for South Carolina State under first-year head coach Nakeya Hall. The Lady Bulldogs achieved their first 20-plus win season in over two decades and set additional records by defeating Charleston Southern to end a 22-year drought and capturing their first-ever win over USC-Upstate during regular season play.
The standout rookie maintained a .411 batting average across 38 games, recording 46 hits, 12 doubles, 10 home runs, and driving in 47 runs while scoring another 24. She also posted an on-base percentage of .496 and slugging percentage of .786. Defensively, she held a .938 fielding percentage over her opportunities. These performances helped secure South Carolina State’s No. 3 seed in tournament play and led to her selection as MEAC Rookie of the Year.
Alongside this achievement, one freshman pitcher was named to the All-MEAC Second Team. Other student-athletes from South Carolina State received Third Team honors at various positions including pitcher, infielder, catcher, and outfielder.
The MEAC Softball Tournament is scheduled to begin Wednesday at Townebank Softball Field at Norfolk State University. No.4 Norfolk State will face No.5 Morgan State at 11 a.m., followed by No.3 South Carolina State playing against No.6 Coppin State at 2 p.m., with top seeds Howard and Delaware State entering later rounds based on results.
This series of recognitions reflects growing momentum for the Lady Bulldogs program under new leadership as they look ahead to tournament competition.
