2026 Softball All-Conference Awards

2026 Softball All-Conference Awards- Wil Teague, Sports Information Director, 4/28/26

Paragould, AR – At yesterday evening's awards banquet, the American Midwest Conference (AMC) announced its 2026 All-Conference selections, with Pioneer Softball earning recognition for three standout student-athletes.

Senior Lilly Wessel and junior Jada Diaz were both named to the All-Conference Second Team following impressive seasons, while freshman Lauren Jones was honored as a Champion of Character.

Wessel, a native of Chaffee, Missouri, capped off her Pioneer career with a strong offensive performance. Wessel posted a .302 batting average, hit 8 home runs, and drove in 28 runs to earn Second Team honors. In addition, she recorded 35 hits, 4 doubles, and 15 walks, finishing the season with a .388 OBP and a .543 SLG. Wessel's impact on the program will be lasting, as she departs as both the program's all-time homerun leader and single-season homerun record holder. 

Diaz, from Brookland, Arkansas, also delivered an outstanding junior campaign. She compiled a .342 batting average with 38 hits, including 12 doubles and 2 triples, while adding 23 walks and 9 stolen bases to conclude with a .467 OBP for the year.

Lastly, Jones, a native of Imboden, Arkansas, rounded off the Pioneers' awards, receiving recognition as the team's Champion of Character, an award presented to one player from each program who best exemplifies integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership both on the field and in the classroom.

In addition to the All-Conference honors, the AMC recognized its Scholar-Athletes—students who have achieved a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Pioneer Softball had eight players earn this distinction: Marissa Allison, Aimee Buckley, Maddie Burris, Jada Diaz, Lauren Jones, Faith Muntz, Hailey Tarrants, and Lilly Wessel.

Check out the official story here: https://amcsportsonline.com/sports/sball/2025-26/releases/20260427yq1wn6