Northeast Alabama's Edwards named 2026 DI Softball Pitcher of the Year
Charlotte, NC: After leading Northeast Alabama to its first national championship in school history in only the program's second year, Addison Edwards has been named the 2026 NJCAA Division I Softball Pitcher of the Year.
"Addie was an absolute warrior for us this past season. She's going to continue to commit to getting better," Northeast Alabama head softball coach Joe Guthrie said.
Edwards put together one of the best seasons in NJCAA Division I Softball by going 34-0 and leading the Mustangs to a national championship. Edwards led the nation in wins and also ERA (1.12). The Georgia native finished the season with 211.2 innings pitched and 2019 strikeouts, while allowing only 35 walks.
Edwards adds NJCAA Pitcher of the Year to a list of accolades. This includes the Alabama Sports Writers Association (ASWA) Community College Athlete of the Year, Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) Pitcher of the Year, ACCC all First-Team, and National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Pitcher of the Year.
Leading the Mustangs to their first appearance at the 2026 NJCAA Division I Softball World Series was an amazing accomplishment. They received the No. 3 overall seed, and Edwards pitched all 33 innings for the eventual national champions. In the World Series, Edwards finished with 33 innings, 27 strikeouts, and only 13 runs allowed. She was named Pitcher of the Tournament for her performance throughout the week.
"I think she has an extremely bright future ahead. Big congrats to her," Guthrie said.
