GREENWOOD, In. - College Sports Communicators (CSC) announced its 2026 Academic All-America Division II Softball Teams, with three Auburn University at Montgomery softball players earning national recognition for their excellence both on the field and in the classroom. 

Chloe Baynes was named to the CSC Academic All-America First Team, Olivia Watkins earned Second Team honors, and Rebecca Komers collected Third Team recognition. All three student-athletes previously earned CSC Academic All-District honors and advanced to the national ballot, where Academic All-America selections are chosen by College Sports Communicators members. 

CHLOE BAYNES 
Senior | Communication Disorders Major | Psychology Minor | 3.83 GPA 
Baynes added another prestigious honor to one of the most decorated careers in program history, earning CSC Academic All-America First Team recognition. The senior outfielder was also named NFCA Second Team All-American and D2CCA Second Team All-American.  

The Gulf South Conference Player of the Year started all 56 games in center field and batted .450 with a conference-leading 85 hits and 48 stolen bases. She also ranked among the GSC leaders in on-base percentage (.516), runs scored (56), triples (5), and walks (26) while earning NFCA First Team All-South Region and D2CCA First Team All-South Region honors. 

Baynes concluded her career as one of the most accomplished players in conference history. She became the first player in AUM history to surpass 300 career hits while setting program career records for hits and stolen bases. She also finished her career as the Gulf South Conference's all-time hits leader. In the classroom, Baynes maintained a 3.83 GPA in Communication Disorders with a Psychology minor and was a three-time GSC Honor Roll selection. 

OLIVIA WATKINS 
Junior | Kinesiology Major | 4.0 GPA 
Watkins earned CSC Academic All-America Second Team honors while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA while pursuing a degree in Kinesiology. 

A D2 CCA Second Team All-South Region selection, Watkins finished third in the GSC with a .395 batting average while totaling 58 hits, 34 runs scored, 14 doubles, six home runs, and 31 RBI. She posted a 1.109 OPS and ranked among the conference leaders in on-base percentage (.470) and slugging percentage (.639). 

In addition to her success on the field and in the classroom, Watkins contributed more than 13 hours of community service. 

REBECCA KOMERS 
Senior | Criminal Justice Major | Psychology Minor | 4.0 GPA 
Komers was selected to the CSC Academic All-America Third Team following an outstanding senior season that saw her earn NFCA First Team All-South Region, D2CCA First Team All-South Region, and First Team All-Gulf South Conference honors. 

The senior infielder maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while majoring in Criminal Justice with a Psychology minor. During her career, she helped lead the Warhawks to the 2024 Gulf South Conference Tournament Championship and NCAA South Regional Championship while earning multiple conference and regional honors. 

A three-time GSC Honor Roll selection, Komers also earned Easton/NFCA Academic Honors and contributed more than 22 hours of community service, including work with Dream Court youth clinics and the Montgomery Humane Society.  

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