LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced the 147 student-athletes from 63 schools who comprise the 2026 NFCA NAIA All-Region teams. The Marian softball team earned a pair of honors out of Region VI, as Abbey Hofmann and Abby Madere were each named to the First Team of the area. 

Oklahoma City University (Region III) placed a division-best and maximum eight players on its All-Region list, including five on the first team. University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma (Region IV) and Saint Xavier University (Region V) each matched the Stars' five first teamers, and were two of four squads with six selections overall. Central Methodist University (Region V) and Madonna University (Region VI) also had six players picked.

Keiser University (Region II) and Missouri Baptist University (Region VI) received five All-Region nods apiece, while five other schools got four, 11 more had three, 12 earned two, and 28 had one.

Abbey Hofmann had a stellar junior season, leading the Knights at the plate as she started all 56 games for the team as the lead-off hitter and center fielder. Hofmann was named to both the Crossroads League First Team and Gold Glove Team, adding her second career NAIA NFCA All-Region VI First Team honor to her career accolades. The junior batted a team-best .389 this season, scoring 63 runs and producing 79 base hits. Hofmann led the Knights in triples with six, while hitting 16 doubles and four home runs on the season, which helped produce 38 RBI. The speedy outfielder led the team in stolen bases with 30 on the season. 

Abby Madere ended her career on a high note, returning to the All-Crossroads League First Team, leading to her earning her second career NAIA NFCA Region VI First Team honor. Madere ended the season two points behind Hofmann in batting average, completing the year batting .387 while slugging a team-best .624. The near-every-game right fielder led the team with 18 doubles and eight home runs, tripling once in a season where she produced a Marian-best 61 RBI. Madere's 18 doubles bring her career total to 66, closing a strong career tied with Kassidi Cadle for the program's doubles record. 

Marian ended the season in the NAIA World Series on Friday, May 22, closing a season that saw the Knights post a record of 38-18 and make their seventh appearance to the NAIA's final stage. 

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