CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six Bowie State softball players earned All-Conference honors as the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) conference unveiled the 2026 All-CIAA teams Wednesday evening. Among the highlights, Sydney Seals was named CIAA Pitcher of the Year, while Aaliyah Amos earned CIAA Rookie of the Year honors following standout seasons for the Bulldogs.
Seals, Taylor Dawkins and Mikayla Amos were all named First Team All-CIAA, while Presleigh Braxton and Coreena Dunham earned Second Team All-CIAA recognition. Amos was also selected to the CIAA All-Rookie Team.
Sydney Seals – CIAA Pitcher of the Year & First Team All-CIAA Pitcher
Seals emerged as one of the top pitchers in the CIAA during the 2026 season, anchoring the Bowie State pitching staff while helping lead the Bulldogs to a perfect 16-0 conference record and the CIAA Northern Division title. The sophomore appeared in 22 games with 18 starts, posting a 12-6 overall record with a 3.48 ERA across 108.2 innings pitched.
The Cheasapeake, Va., native recorded 122 strikeouts, 12 complete games and three shutouts while holding opponents to a .256 batting average. A two-time CIAA Pitcher of the Week selection, Seals consistently delivered dominant outings throughout conference play and provided Bowie State with stability every time she stepped into the circle.
In addition to her pitching success, Seals contributed offensively, batting .279 with 12 hits, four doubles, two home runs and 10 RBI while posting a .512 slugging percentage. Her consistency, durability and all-around impact made her a deserving selection for both CIAA Pitcher of the Year and First Team All-CIAA honors.
Aaliyah Amos – CIAA Rookie of the Year & All-Rookie Team
Amos made an immediate impact during her freshman campaign, quickly establishing herself as one of the most versatile newcomers in the CIAA. The freshman excelled both in the circle and at the plate, becoming a key contributor to BSU's success throughout the season.
As a pitcher, Amos appeared in 19 games with 16 starts, compiling a 7-7 record with a 4.19 ERA and 89 strikeouts across 102 innings pitched. She threw 13 complete games while limiting opponents to a .256 batting average.
At the plate, the Buckingham, Va., native added another dimension to her game, recording seven hits, including two doubles, two triples and one home run while driving in nine RBI and posting a .516 slugging percentage. Her ability to contribute in multiple roles earned her CIAA Rookie of the Year honors along with a selection to the All-Rookie Team.
Taylor Dawkins – First Team All-CIAA Utility
Dawkins served as the centerpiece of the Bowie State offense throughout the 2026 campaign, producing at an elite level while helping guide the Bulldogs to an undefeated conference season. The Ridgely, Md., native appeared in 35 games with 32 starts and led the team with a .418 batting average.
Dawkins totaled 46 hits, including six doubles, two triples and six home runs while driving in a team-best 35 RBI and scoring 28 runs. She also posted a .673 slugging percentage and added 10 stolen bases.
Defensively, Dawkins contributed at multiple positions throughout the season while continuing to provide leadership and consistency for the Bulldogs. Her all-around production earned her First Team All-CIAA recognition at the utility position.
Mikayla Amos – First Team All-CIAA Third Base
Amos turned in one of the most consistent offensive seasons for the Bulldogs while serving as a steady presence at third base. The junior started 38 games and batted .343 with 36 hits, eight doubles, one home run and 20 RBI.
The Dumfries, Va., native also scored 19 runs and posted a .462 on-base percentage after drawing 23 walks during the season. Defensively, Amos recorded 37 putouts and 59 assists while helping anchor the left side of the infield.
Her consistency on both sides of the ball made her one of the top infielders in the CIAA and earned her First Team All-CIAA honors.
Presleigh Braxton – Second Team All-CIAA Outfield
Braxton emerged as one of the top table-setters in the CIAA during the 2026 season, bringing speed and energy to the top of the Bowie State lineup. The sophomore centerfielder appeared in 40 games with 37 starts and scored a team-high 39 runs.
The Charlottesville, Va., native batted .314 with 37 hits, including five doubles, two triples and 17 RBI while adding 13 stolen bases in 13 attempts. Braxton also posted a .430 on-base percentage and consistently created scoring opportunities throughout conference play.
Defensively, Braxton was flawless in centerfield, finishing the regular season with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage. Her impact on both offense and defense earned her Second Team All-CIAA recognition.
Coreena Dunham – Second Team All-CIAA Outfield
Dunham delivered another strong season for the Bulldogs, serving as one of Bowie State's most consistent offensive contributors throughout the year. The sophomore outfielder appeared in 35 games with 34 starts and batted .306 with 37 hits, four home runs and 19 RBI.
The Audubon, Pa., native also scored 30 runs while adding three triples and 17 stolen bases during the season. Dunham recorded several multi-hit performances throughout conference play and continued to provide reliable production at the plate for the Bulldogs.
Defensively, she totaled 44 putouts and three assists in the outfield while helping Bowie State complete an undefeated CIAA regular season. Her all-around contributions earned her Second Team All-CIAA honors.
The three-time defending CIAA champions, Bowie State softball (21-19, 16-0 CIAA), will begin postseason play as the No. 1 seed in the 2026 CIAA Softball Championship Tournament on Wednesday, May 7, taking on the No. 4 seed from the south Winston-Salem State at 5 p.m., in Orangeburg, S.C.
For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State University Athletics and its 14 varsity sports teams, visit www.bsubulldogs.com.
