MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama State University softball had two players recognized as the Southwestern Athletic Conference released its 2026 Preseason Coaches Poll and All-SWAC teams ahead of the upcoming season.

The Hornets were picked to finish third in the SWAC East Division, collecting 80 points and three first-place votes in the preseason poll. Jackson State was tabbed as the East Division favorite with 105 points and 11 first-place votes, followed by Florida A&M with 85 points and seven first-place selections.

Alabama State placed two players on the Preseason All-SWAC First Team, highlighted by Brooke Ramsey, who was selected at catcher, and Alana Scott, who earned first-team honors at shortstop. Both were among the league's top returning performers recognized by the conference's head coaches.

In addition to Alabama State's honors, Grambling State's Kamryn Broussard was named SWAC Preseason Player of the Year, while Florida A&M's Amari Brown earned Preseason Pitcher of the Year accolades.

Prairie View A&M was selected as the preseason favorite in the West Division with 110 points and 14 first-place votes, edging Texas Southern and Southern in the projected standing.

Alabama State opens the 2026 campaign hosting the Stinger Classic on Feb. 5-8 at the Barbara Williams Softball Complex.  The Hornets will play Northern Kentucky on Thursday at 5 p.m. in game one of the tournament. 

Preseason Player of the Year
Kamryn Broussard, Grambling State
Preseason Pitcher of the Year
Amari Brown, Florida A&M
 
Preseason First Team
C – Brooke Ramsey, Alabama State
1B – Reagan Green, Prairie View A&M
2B – Kearstin Tinsley, Prairie View A&M
SS – Alana Scott, Alabama State
3B – Jace Jackson, Jackson State
OF – Lanay Carr, Texas Southern
OF – Kamryn Broussard, Grambling State
OF – Mia Nunez, Prairie View A&M
P – Kayla Adams, Prairie View A&M
P – Zoryana Hughes, Florida A&M
P – Kylie Wilson, Texas Southern
DP – Kylie Wilson, Texas Southern

Preseason Second Team
C – Karisma Garcia, Texas Southern 
1B – Meah Almaraz, Jackson State
2B – Destiny Menchaca, Texas Southern
SS – Cadashia Collins, Grambling State 
3B – Dyani McKinley, Prairie View A&M
OF – Ka'Liyah Gipson, Jackson State 
OF – Emma Bradley-Tse, Bethune-Cookman
OF – Ciara Maple, Florida A&M
P – Amari Brown, Florida A&M
P – Brooklyn Morris, Jackson State 
P – Samantha Smith, Florida A&M
DP – Jamison Townsend, Florida A&M
2026 SWAC Softball Predicted Order of Finish
 
East Division

1. Jackson State- 105 points (11) 
2. Florida A&M- 85 points (7)
3. Alabama State- 80 points (3)
4. Bethune-Cookman- 72 points 
5. Alabama A&M- 48 points 
6. Mississippi Valley State- 22 points  

1. Prairie View A&M- 110 points (14)
2. Texas Southern- 88 points (3)
3. Southern- 70 points (2)
4. Grambling State- 67 points 
5. Arkansas-Pine Bluff- 44 points (2) 
6. Alcorn State- 40 points 

* First place votes listed in parenthesis ( )